Sustainability, by its very nature, demands a long-term perspective. Traditionally associated with environmental, social, and economic domains, this principle is equally vital in the workplace.

People sustainability encompasses strategies and practices that ensure the long-term well-being, development, and engagement of employees within an organisation. This involves creating a work atmosphere that promotes health, satisfaction, and productivity, ensuring that the workforce remains resilient, motivated, and capable of achieving the organisation's goals.

Recognising employees as essential assets, this practice aims to build an environment where they can thrive, feel valued, and contribute effectively to the organisation's success. Managing a business inevitably involves managing people, making employee well-being a key determinant of business success.

Human sustainability – prioritising and nurturing human interactions – plays a crucial role in this equation. As people become a company's most important asset, fostering positive interactions among employees, consumers, and suppliers becomes essential for value creation.

Human sustainability also involves preparing people for sustainable futures by focusing on their health, well-being, skills, job opportunities, career advancement, and personal growth. This approach ensures that equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace stem from treating people as human beings, not merely as employees, thereby benefiting both individuals and the organisation.

Read More: How IKEA encourages sustainability in the workplace

A win-win cycle

Companies that embrace human sustainability understand that benefitting people is as important as achieving corporate goals. This win-win cycle enhances both human and corporate outcomes, fostering better engagement, diversity, and reducing employee turnover.

To implement a human sustainability perspective, organisations should measure human outcomes like skills development and social well-being, rather than just initiatives. Building the right mindset among leaders about the benefits of human sustainability is crucial, as is incentivising achievements in this area to drive progress. Engaging employees, potential candidates, and stakeholders in meaningful conversations helps recognise and address their needs, ultimately creating a more sustainable and thriving business environment.

People sustainability can be fostered through various strategies. Promoting work-life balance by allowing flexible schedules and remote work options, along with offering sufficient vacation days, parental leave, and personal time off, helps employees recharge and manage their personal responsibilities effectively. Additionally, supporting employee well-being with comprehensive wellness programmes, mental health resources, and a healthy work environment further enhances overall well-being.

Investing in employee development is crucial for people sustainability. Regularly offering training programmes, workshops, and certifications enhances skills, while clear career development plans and mentorship opportunities guide professional growth and advancement. Fostering an inclusive culture through diversity and inclusion initiatives, supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and conducting bias training sessions ensures that the workplace is equitable and inclusive, providing a sense of belonging and reducing unconscious biases.

Encouraging employee autonomy by empowering decision-making, creating self-managed teams, and promoting creativity fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Recognising and rewarding contributions through recognition programmes, incentive schemes, and public acknowledgment maintains motivation and engagement. Enhancing communication and transparency, building a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring fair compensation and benefits, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and promoting social responsibility through community service and sustainability initiatives all contribute to a sustainable and dynamic work culture.

Read More: Business as a force for good: Inside the culture of B Corps

Enhancing people sustainability in your business

Here are 11 key strategies to consider:

1. Promote work-life balance

Encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules, remote work options, and sufficient paid time off. This approach helps employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.

2. Invest in employee development

Provide continuous learning and development opportunities through training programmes, workshops, and mentorship. By investing in employees’ skills and career growth, you enhance their capabilities and loyalty to the organisation.

3. Foster an inclusive culture

Create an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued. Implement policies that promote equality and prevent discrimination, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities to succeed.

4. Support employee well-being

Implement wellness programmes that focus on physical, mental, and emotional health. Offer resources such as counselling services, health screenings, fitness programmes, and mindfulness workshops to support employees' overall well-being.

5. Encourage employee autonomy

Empower employees by giving them autonomy over their work. Allow them to make decisions, manage their tasks, and contribute ideas. This trust-based approach increases engagement and fosters a sense of ownership.

6. Recognise and reward contributions

Regularly acknowledge and reward employees’ efforts and achievements. Implement recognition programmes that celebrate milestones, exceptional performance, and innovative contributions, reinforcing a positive and motivating work environment.

7. Enhance communication and transparency

Maintain open and transparent communication channels within the organisation. Keep employees informed about company goals, changes, and developments. Encourage feedback and actively listen to employees' concerns and suggestions.

8. Build a strong leadership pipeline

Develop leadership skills across all levels of the organisation. Identify potential leaders and provide them with training and mentorship to prepare them for future roles. Strong leadership drives employee engagement and organisational resilience.

9. Ensure fair compensation and benefits

Offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages that reflect market standards. Fair compensation demonstrates that you value your employees' contributions and helps attract and retain top talent.

10. Create a safe and healthy work environment

Ensure that the workplace is safe and conducive to health. Implement safety protocols, ergonomic solutions, and regular health checks to create an environment where employees feel secure and cared for.

11. Promote social responsibility

Encourage employees to engage in social and community initiatives. Support volunteer programmes, environmental sustainability efforts, and corporate social responsibility projects that align with your company's values.