Sustainability is evermore critical as the climate crisis intensifies, especially as the UK sees soaring record-breaking temperatures. Particularly for the younger generations, such as Gen-Z, sustainability is a cause that takes precedence, with 64% of 18-22-year-olds finding it important for their employers to act on environmental issues.
As sustainability becomes a priority for the masses, subsequently, opinions on the energy industry have soured. Many believe that the industry, with its traditional reliance on unrenewable fossil fuels, is doing little to address the climate crisis. This has led many, especially the younger, emerging workforce, to see the sector through a negative lens, and therefore show reluctance to work within it.
Despite this, it would be beneficial for traditional energy corporations to find ways to encourage and attract the more sustainability-focused young talent into their workforce. The Gen-Z talent can use their passion and purpose-driven agenda to help change in the sector by coming up with internal initiatives but also lending a voice to the older workforce. More importantly, the younger workforce will be the leaders of the future and having them integrated into the sector early on will be vital for businesses to stay current and at the forefront of innovation.
The energy sector must reform
The UK government has set a target for the country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and many companies have followed suit or set even more ambitious targets. To meet these, companies will have to heavily invest in alternative and renewable energy sources, as well as the relevant infrastructure and technology needed to cut carbon emissions.
This is a move that resonates well with the youth, as demonstrated in a study that reveals that 79% of 18-24-year olds believe it is important for the country to become a Net-Zero emissions country. However, traditional firms are struggling to reach this target already. Out of the companies who committed to the same goal as the UK government, if they continue at the pace of emissions reduction achieved between 2010 and 2019, only a mere 19% will reach the 2050 target.
Energy companies, who have the ability to bring direct, extensive sustainable change, are at the brunt of this criticism. These companies face difficulties enacting enough sustainability in part due to a lack of diversity and a static company culture that remains resistant to change. By bringing fresh, sustainability-oriented Gen-Z talent into their workforce, these committed workers can drive the change needed for companies to hit targets for a greener future.
A purpose-driven generation
Newer generations are more vocal about their concerns over the climate crisis, more likely to promote actionable movements toward sustainability. A study of more than 27,000 participants demonstrated that more than six in 10 under 30 perceived climate change as a priority after the post-pandemic recovery rather than strictly focusing on recovering the economy.
Gen-Z is also much more likely to value purpose as a key component in their work than their predecessors. As part of this, younger talent often wishes for their workplaces to hold the same values and morals as they do. With that comes demands for companies to actively participate in mitigating the climate crisis.
Purpose-led Gen-Z talent is more reluctant to become involved with industries and companies with such reputations. Instead, they are more likely to join companies or start-ups that show proactiveness in addressing our society’s urgent problems, such as social injustices and the climate crisis.
However, traditional energy firms continue to command most of the sector, and many are attempting to switch to more sustainable practices. They should openly publicise this and undertake internal changes to attract younger talent, who will help propel a drive towards sustainability in the industry.
Better together
Whilst there is applaudable value in fresh, innovative environmental start-ups that focus on sustainable action, traditional energy companies have unparalleled levels of resources. Our ability to combat the climate crisis ultimately depends on how willing these traditional companies are to genuinely pursue sustainability.
As revealed by a global study, Gen-Z talent is overwhelmingly interested in sharing their experiences and ideas with companies to help develop better solutions to societal problems such as the climate crisis. By investing in the right talent strategies to attract these passionate workers, traditional energy corporations can combine their resources with the zeal and purpose of a younger workforce to work towards a more sustainable future.
Energy companies are in a critical position right now, and as the climate crisis intensifies, they must reform their sustainability measures to appease both the government and the public. Together with a Gen-Z workforce, they can strive towards a future where sustainability comes first, and the UK’s Net Zero goal could be realised.
Author: By Melissa Burke, Chief Customer Officer, Grayce
