The benefits of ESG to society, companies, and investors are many. These include inclusive hiring, efforts to improve the health and wellness of employees, policies, and practices that support the environment, and social initiatives. Ultimately, the decision-making process plays a vital role in determining the success or failure of industry. We’ll look at some of the most important aspects of ESG.
Benefits for investors
One of the critical benefits of ESG investing for investors is mitigating climate change. What is ESG? As climate change impacts our planet’s resources, investing in companies with substantial environmental, social, and governance programs can help protect the environment and improve stock liquidity. Many studies show that these investments can keep up with traditional funds and, in some cases, provide superior returns. More than 90 percent of companies are already adopting this approach, and many have shown a higher profit than their traditional counterparts. For example, in one recent study, ESG-focused funds outperformed traditional funds by as much as 27 percent.
The ESG community has made breakthroughs in creating awareness and bringing about change. By collaborating with other investors, this movement can accelerate the widespread adoption of sustainable business practices and improve returns for investors. Here are five key benefits of ESG investing for investors:
Benefits for companies
In addition to being a competitive advantage, ESG initiatives can unlock additional value for companies. By integrating these policies into their overall business strategy, companies can stand out from their competitors and achieve superior performance. Investors are looking for companies with ESG programs that meet their stated purpose. Companies that incorporate ESG policies in their daily operations will enjoy the support of these long-term shareholders and unlock a competitive moat. This is why investors reward companies that implement ESG policies.
That’s why companies are moving away from feel-good sustainability targets and narratives. Instead, organizations are demonstrating their commitment to ESG initiatives through proactive measures. Companies with a proactive approach to improving their ESG performance may help retain top-level talent. Activists have targeted companies that fail to demonstrate progress on ESG metrics.
Benefits for employees
Achieving top-tier ESG performance will increase employee satisfaction and attract prospective employees. Companies that demonstrate their commitment to ESG key performance indicators are more likely to attract top talent. Moreover, satisfied employees are more productive, stay with a company longer and contribute to better results. Therefore, employers need to consider implementing ESG measures in the workplace. To achieve this, they should develop an internal ESG program and empower human resources and other management personnel to help implement ESG measures.
The third focus area for ESG is community. Many organizations leaned in to support their local communities in 2020, but their community ties seemed less pronounced this year. However, some organizations focus on developing community strategies, such as promoting cycling to work or electric cars. Community engagement has become increasingly important as business leaders struggle with mass resignations and fear of attrition. But ESG is no longer a sideline to sustainability. Embedding it in every brand and its values will become essential to employee engagement and retention.
Benefits for society
The benefits of ESG for society extend well beyond a company’s bottom line. Increasingly, consumers are not only consumers but employees as well. Younger employees are concerned about their employers and communities, which motivates them to work harder and produce better results. In addition, as the millennial and Gen Z generations rapidly take over the workforce, they are putting a greater emphasis on environmental and social concerns. As a result, they expect more from employers than from previous generations. In this environment, the benefits of transparency around ESG issues extend to a company’s public image and its ability to attract top-level talent.
Companies can use ESG criteria to earn government support or subsidies to help them meet their ESG goals. In addition, governments often sponsor environmental causes and encourage companies to participate. ESG initiatives are also beneficial for a company’s bottom line. However, these benefits are only one of many benefits.
