As a global citizen, I am faced with the challenge of living sustainably and considering the needs of future generations. The constant influx of new products and advertisements promoting unnecessary purchases only adds to this struggle. However, as a prospective HR leader in an international company, my focus is on assisting my organization in embracing sustainability within the global economy. I strongly believe that efficient resource utilization will give our company a competitive advantage.
In this course, my objective is to gain comprehensive insight into the entire process of implementing sustainability projects, from inception to completion. Additionally, I aspire to develop skills in advocating for sustainability across different organizations. Therefore, my goals for this class are:
What is the importance of sustainability and why should we be worried about it? Furthermore, how does sustainability relate to different aspects of our daily lives like the environment, society, and economy?
2. What happens when resources are used without considering sustainability?
There is a conflict between sustainability and company profit, both in the short term and the long term.
There are currently concerns about the involvement of fortune 500 companies in sustainability initiatives and inquiries have been raised regarding the return on investment (ROI) and other benefits associated with these projects, both in the short-term and long-term.
What effect does it have on employee engagement in addition to ROI?
What are the views on sustainability from the supplier, customer, and investor?
Despite potential challenges, there are strategies to overcome obstacles when implementing the sustainability project.
What are the consequences of sustainability projects, regardless of their success or failure?
What methods are used to manage changes during the implementation of the sustainability project?
Various methods can be used to monitor the advancement of sustainability.
How can one effectively persuade and convince everyone to support a specific cause or idea?
12. How does the law/regulation on this topic impact and play a role? How do various industries perceive this subject?
What is the typical process for implementing a worldwide sustainability project?
Having a solid grasp on the aforementioned topics, I am assured of my capability to tackle sustainability projects. The company’s culture is greatly influenced by human resources and plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Collaboration between various departments is usually necessary for these projects, as they involve making changes. Therefore, it is essential to have effective communication with stakeholders and support from leadership.
My aim is to work in an organization that prioritizes sustainability and is willing to allocate resources towards it. I aspire to lead the project and advocate for the concept within the organization. Additionally, I also desire to promote sustainability externally, potentially through roles such as a lecturer or external consultant. The key to success lies in getting everyone on board with sustainability. Initially, it is important to secure support from leaders and implement it using a top-down strategy in specific departments as a pilot initiative. Moreover, educating employees takes time but is necessary. Once employees have a basic understanding of sustainability, the involvement of subject matter experts can occur to generate new ideas and conduct training for new operations.
At this point, there may be some complaints. However, fostering open communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page can help alleviate stress, gain approval, and effectively manage the changes. After a specific timeframe, my intention is to demonstrate the cost savings and improved efficiency to both leaders and employees. Once the employees are comfortable with the new process, I will extend its implementation to other departments. Ultimately, my goal is to integrate sustainability into HR processes such as recruiting and training. I hope that every employee can fully embrace this concept and act as advocates and facilitators of sustainability. Furthermore, I aspire for every employee, from the CEO to the janitor, to be content and proud of the organization’s dedication to sustainability, while recognizing the value of cost savings and improved efficiency.
