Employees are an undervalued asset in the just transition of companies

Corporate employees are an untapped catalyst for driving a just transition to a sustainable future, reveals a new study by GlobeScan and Ashoka Changemaker Companies. Companies have the potential to accelerate sustainable practices by engaging more employees to create positive impact in their daily roles. Achieving this requires supportive work environments that prioritize autonomy, initiative, transparency, and collaboration.

This research, a collaboration between GlobeScan—a global insights and advisory firm—and Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs and changemakers, explores the pivotal role of corporate employees in accelerating a just transition. The survey collected responses from 8,613 employees working in large for-profit companies across 31 countries and territories.

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This research takes a fresh look at an issue that primarily focuses on sentiments among senior leadership and investors. As global businesses face increasing pressure to address climate change and social inequality, the research highlights a growing gap between corporate sustainability commitments and real-world impact. 74% of employees perceive inconsistencies between their employer’s social and environmental promises and actual practices.

The findings underscore the business case for sustainability and the risk of inaction. 85% of employees say they are more motivated and loyal when their company actively demonstrates social and environmental responsibility. Without aligning words with actions, companies risk losing employee engagement, retention, and attraction.

"Companies that fail to align their words with action risk losing both current and future talent. Employees are more loyal and motivated when they see their company taking concrete steps toward making positive contributions to society and the planet. "
Chris Coulter, CEO of GlobeScan 
The study also signals hope: 82% of employees feel they contribute to social and environmental solutions through their work, with 39% strongly agreeing. However, despite this optimism, the research shows that individual efforts are not fully translating into business practice changes, limiting overall impact.

These insights suggest that while companies may have well-meaning sustainability goals, they must invest in shaping a supportive culture and agile systems to fully empower employees. 

Creating a workplace that supports positive contributions from employees is essential to bridging the gap between intentions and actions and embedding sustainability into everyday business operations. 

"There is an untapped opportunity for businesses to better mobilize their workforces toward sustainability actions. Employees want to contribute, but they need an enabling organizational environment to do so."
Sarah Jefferson, Senior Leader at Ashoka’s Changemaker Companies 

 

Methodology: 

GlobeScan administered an online survey to approximately 1,000 adults in each of 31 countries and territories except Hong Kong, Kenya, Nigeria, and Singapore where it was administered to 500 adults, and Brazil and the USA where it was administered to 1,500 adults.

The questions included in this release were only asked to those who said they currently work for a large for-profit company with over 1,000 employees. The total sample of corporate employees surveyed is 8,613 adults.

Data collection took place in July and August 2024.

What encourages, and what hinders, employees' ability to drive change

When asked what most affected employees' ability to make a difference, several insights emerged: 

Top Enablers

🟢 A supportive culture that promotes autonomy, values employee input, fosters collaboration and innovation, and enhances communication and transparency.

🟢 Strong collaboration, both across internal departments and with external stakeholders.

Top Barriers

🔴 Sustainability is often seen as someone else’s responsibility, limiting employee involvement.

🔴 Hierarchical constraints, lack of support from management and insufficient decision-making power also prevent meaningful contribution.

🔴 Limited awareness of social and environmental issues, along with financial limitations, further reduce potential impact.

logo ashoka
logo ashoka

Ashoka

Founded in 1980, Ashoka is a global leader in identifying and supporting the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. By learning from their innovations, we mobilize a global community committed to building a world where everyone is a changemaker.

Ashoka Changemaker Companies, the corporate advisory arm, partners with leading corporations to accelerate the rise of an inclusive and regenerative economy by advancing a corporate culture of changemaking.

GlobeScan
GlobeScan

GlobeScan

GlobeScan is a global insights and advisory firm specializing in trust, sustainability, and engagement. We equip companies, NGOs, and governmental organizations with the insights they need to make sense of a rapidly changing world and respond to shifting societal and stakeholder expectations. 

We help our clients craft evidence-led strategies that reduce risks and create value for themselves and society. Our purpose is to co-create a sustainable and equitable future.