HR Data Labs - Season 3 - Episode 19 - Susan Hunt Stevens - Environmental, Social & Governance in Today's Organizations

Summary:

Susan Hunt Stevens is the Founder & CEO of WeSpire, an award-winning, employee experience technology that drives environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes by engaging people in activities that align with their passion and purpose. She founded WeSpire, after her son was diagnosed with serious food allergies, to leverage her digital behavior change expertise to help people embrace healthier and more sustainable lifestyles and create a more equitable and inclusive work culture. Susan was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year for New England and a Woman of Influence by the Boston Business Journal. She’s also been included in the Environmental Leader 100 list. 

In this episode, Susan talks about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in today’s organizations. 

Chapters:

[0:00 - 5:34] Introduction

Welcome, Susan!Today’s Topic: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

[5:35 - 11:32] What are ESGs and what are companies doing to build ESG into their company framework?

Investors are paying much closer attention to ESG nowadaysThe importance of investing in renewable energy for both businesses and investors alike

[11:33 - 26:37] What are the biggest challenges facing HR leaders on this journey to shift culture and embed ESG?

What is a materiality assessment and how can it engage employees?Businesses benefit from embracing and fostering employee-driven movementsEmployees are deciding whether to interview at a company based on ESG practices

[26:38 - 32:25] What metrics and measurements are organizations using to track and report on these efforts?

Looking at other metrics (e.g. DEI statistics and pay equity reporting) to gauge ESGWhat is psychological safety and why high performing companies value it?

[32:26 - 34:29] Final Thoughts & Closing

Engaging employees transforms company cultureThanks for listening!

Quotes:

“I'm a big believer that companies respond to investors, and investors care extraordinarily now about ESG. The largest private and public equity funds in the world, from Blackstone to BlackRock, have told portfolio companies that they need to have very strong ESG strategies and present really good ESG data for them to evaluate their investments.”

“I think you can do things to dramatically improve employee engagement and these [mental health and wellbeing, and inclusive culture] programs are an absolute tool in your toolbox for creating an environment that's the best place to work . . . [and that helps employees] feel included and belong and therefore they're higher performing.”

Contact:

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Production by Affogato Media