Employers eyeing people-focused efforts to help achieve climate goals

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[{"type":"text","content":"One in three employers say executive pay should be linked to climate strategy, Willis Towers Watson survey finds\nARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the UN Climate Change Conference underway and efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions gaining momentum, North American employers are now focusing on people-oriented interventions to help achieve climate goals, according to a survey by leading global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW). The HR and Climate Strategy Survey found nearly half (46%) of employers expect their employees to play a role in the delivery of climate strategy. Moreover, a third (33%) agree that executive compensation should be tied to delivery of climate strategy, while 81% say it’s important to integrate climate strategy in their employee value proposition. The survey identified several people-related interventions in connection with climate change. These include: More than one-third of respondents (34%) have placed, started to place or are considering placing a chief sustainability or environmental officer on the executive committee; another 27% may consider doing so in the future.More than six in 10 respondents (62%) have implemented, started to implement or are considering new specific climate-related teams or roles; another 13% may consider these in the future.More than four in 10 employers (43%) have implemented, started to implement or are considering climate metrics for their executive incentive plans; another 27% may consider these for the future.Over half of respondents (53%) have implemented, started to implement or are considering employee engagement and listening activities to understand employee attitudes on climate; another 21% may consider these for the future. “Starting with a push to achieve net-zero emissions, employers are now taking steps to embed climate actions throughout their organizations,” said Shankar Raman, senior director, Human Capital and Benefits, Willis Towers Watson. “Engaging employees and executives in efforts to achieve climate goals is challenging but critical. Now, Human Resources must recognize they can and need to play a pivotal role in helping companies reduce their carbon footprint.” Indeed, almost half of respondents (46%) described their Human Resources function as being minimally involved in delivering ...

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