We are half-way through 2020 and with less than a decade left to meet the targets of agenda 2030, sustainability should become our top priority now. Despite incessant and rigorous efforts towards sustainable development across the globe, meeting the SDG targets by 2030, seems challenging. sustainable practices are being followed at various levels through various sectors, still there are some missing areas which need to be worked on. For attaining complete sustainability, it is very important to follow sustainable practices at lower levels too, including individual level.
Step wise sustainable development plan
· Bodies like UN frame global level programs for sustainable development
· National policies for national and regional development govern sustainable programs at these level
· At organisation/industry/enterprise level, various departments involved, are responsible for sustainable practices
· At individual level, people need to get trained for adopting sustainable practices at work and home
For attaining sustainability at organisation/industry/ enterprise level, the various departments involved ,need to align their work process with sustainability targets. Each department needs to consider the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors and incorporate some of these factors in its work plan according to the nature of work carried out by the department. The number and type of departments vary for different organisations depending on the sector or industry they belong to, but typical business organisations consist some key departments, which enable effective and smooth running of business. Each department can set its own sustainability targets and design programs to meet the targets.
The major departments involved in a typical business organisation can be linked with the ESG factors:
While talking about sustainability, we generally discuss the role of departments involved in the supply chain, like R&D, purchasing, production and marketing, and we tend to overlook the role of HR department in sustainability. but HR has a vital role in attaining sustainable development at organisational and individual level.
HR or Human Resources department is responsible for the management and development of the workforce of an organisation. HR department designs and implements policies and programs for the employees of an organisation , which increase the efficiency of the work force and thus plays an important part in meeting the organisational goals. If sustainability is assimilated into HR programs, it can have a strong and positive impact on the sustainable development of the organisation. For practical and effective implementation of sustainable practices through HR, we must understand the key responsibilities of HR department in an organisation.
Key responsibilities of HR and alignment of sustainable practices
· Recruitment
HR department is responsible for hiring the most suitable candidates according to the organisation’s requirements. By communicating the organisation’s policies and ideology to the candidates, HR department attracts talent. According to a study, 64% job aspirants are willing to work for organisations that follow responsible business practices. Hiring candidates interested in adopting sustainable practices would power the organisation’s sustainability program.
· Maintaining safe work-environment
Safety of workers is an important aspect for sustainable development. the HR department is responsible for assessing risks and hazards at work place and take necessary measures for prevention of accidents. The HR department is also responsible for preparedness of actions to be taken in case of accidents. It also trains employers and employees for maintaining safety of the work environment.
· Maintaining employer-employee relations
For maintaining peace and justice at work place, it is important to avoid any conflicts. This is another important role played by HR. the HR department takes account of the needs and demands of both employers and employees and communicate them to both parties to ensure a peaceful environment.
· Compensation and rewards
HR department looks after the compensations and rewards offered to the employees. It makes sure that employees are paid fairly for the nature and amount of work they do. Sustainability can be encouraged among employees by offering rewards to the employees who follow sustainable practices in work and behaviour.
· Labour law compliance
Another important responsibility of the HR department , is to ensure compliance of labour law which is an important social factor for sustainable development.
§ HR department needs to make sure there is no discrimination of any kind at the workplace
§ Maintaining work hours to avoid overworking
§ Maintaining minimum wages
§ Compliance of laws related to health and safety of workers
· Training and development
HR is also responsible for improving skills of employees through training and development program. This is the best way of bringing awareness among employees for the need of sustainable development. incorporating sustainability in employee engagement activities would encourage employees to adopt and follow sustainable practices at work and also at home. It would also lead to the development of sustainability strategy of the organisation.
· Leading change
HR can bring about positive changes in the work process of an organisation to make room for sustainable development.
§ Encourage use of digital platforms to avoid use of paper in order to create a positive impact on the environment.
§ Impose rules to avoid use of plastic or other disposable utensils/substances at work place.
§ Encourage and implement innovative ideas for maintaining environmentally and socially responsible workplace.
The roles of HR discussed above are also related to some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed by UN.
SDGs related to HR
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Target
· Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Target
· Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
· Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
· Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
· Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
Target
· Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
· Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Target
· Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
· Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
· By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution
Target
· Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
· Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
· Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
Such an Important role of HR in Sustainable development has been overlooked for decades, now it is time to appreciate the significant contribution of HR in the path of sustainability. aligning Sustainable development goals with HR would not only have a deep impact on the society, but would also prove to be beneficial for the progress of an organisation by improving its ESG performance and providing it an Image-makeover.
