Green Job Hiring: Sustainability in Workforce Management
The global imperative to combat climate change and protect the environment has ignited a growing interest in green jobs – a pivotal step toward a sustainable future. From international organizations like the United Nations to local governments, responsible citizens worldwide are rallying to address the looming threat of global warming. But what exactly are green jobs, and how are they shaping the employment landscape?
Defining Green Jobs
Green jobs are employment opportunities explicitly defined by their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which prioritize positive environmental impacts. These roles are not just about work; they represent a commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations. According to a joint report by the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Labour Organization, India witnessed the creation of approximately 863,000 green jobs in the fiscal year 2020-21, contributing to the 12.7 million green jobs generated worldwide during the same period.
India’s Embrace of Green Growth
Green growth has emerged as one of the top seven priorities for the current Indian government. Consequently, several Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have been extended to sectors such as Solar PV, Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC), and the automobile industry. This strategic move is expected to catalyze a manifold increase in green job opportunities in the years to come. India has already declared its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
A Bright Green Future
Studies conducted by reputable institutions suggest that India has the potential to add a staggering 35 million green jobs over the next two decades, with solar and wind energy sectors leading the way. By 2028, it is projected that 7-8 million green-sector jobs will be created, spanning blue-collar and entry-level positions. Among the roles in high demand are Sustainability Managers, tasked with assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of their organizations’ activities. Other sought-after positions include Environmental Consultants, Social Impact Managers, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analysts, Safety Specialists, and Design Engineers.
ESG Strategy and Sustainability
At a micro level, nearly 8 out of 10 organizations have developed their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The ESG framework revolves around three critical aspects: Planet, People, and Profits. In 2022, ManpowerGroup, a key player in the employment services industry, proudly published its second annual Working to Change the World Plan and 2021-2022 ESG Report. They have set ambitious emissions reduction goals, validated by the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi), as part of their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 or sooner.
Addressing Talent Shortages and Building a Sustainable Workforce
From a workforce perspective, the green sector and related job profiles are evolving rapidly, leading to a talent shortage. However, as the sector expands and new roles emerge, there is a pressing need to create a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of harnessing innovative technologies to drive sustainable solutions. Building talented teams is essential for advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities, and companies are actively pursuing strategies to develop the right blend of talent through building, buying, borrowing, or bridging talent gaps.
