Employees are an undervalued asset in the just transition of 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.
74% of employees perceive inconsistencies between their employer’s social and environmental promises and actual practices
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.
There’s a business case for sustainability and the risk of inaction
88% 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
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
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.
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.
Want to learn how employees are making a difference?
Discover inspiring stories from corporate changemakers who are driving positive impact from within their organizations. Through heartfelt interviews, we shine a light on the journeys of executives, managers, and employees at all levels who are championing employee-led changemaking.
This report wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration between Ashoka and GlobeScan. Working closely together, we’ve been able to combine our efforts and bring this project to life.
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 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.
