Introduction:
As the world embraces the green business transformation, a significant challenge emerges—finding and nurturing green talent. A recent report by ManpowerGroup highlights that 70% of employers worldwide are actively seeking or planning to recruit green talent to support their sustainability initiatives. However, this surge in demand for environmentally conscious professionals may lead to a talent shortage unless organisations prioritise upskilling their existing workforce.
The Green Jobs Boom:
The green business transformation is expected to generate up to 30 million new jobs globally, signifying the magnitude of this employment shift. The Energy and Utilities sector leads the charge in recruiting green talent, with 81% of employers in this industry actively seeking environmentally conscious professionals.
In-Demand Green Roles:
Green talent is predominantly sought after for roles in:
- Manufacturing and Production (36% demand)
- Operations and Logistics (31% demand)
- Information Technology (30% demand)
Talent Scarcity Looms:
While the demand for green talent is evident, the report underscores a growing talent scarcity. Three-quarters of employers report difficulty in finding the skilled talent they require, and a staggering 94% need more expertise to achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. This talent shortage becomes even more pronounced when searching for green talent, with just one in eight respondents possessing green skills.
Barriers to Green Transition:
Employers face several barriers to executing their green transitions, including:
- Finding qualified candidates with green skills (44%)
- Creating effective reskilling programs (39%)
- Identifying transferrable skills (36%)
Prioritising Workforce Development:
Riccardo Barberis, President of ManpowerGroup Northern Europe Region, emphasises the critical role of workforce development in sustainability. He highlights that investments in green technology alone are insufficient, emphasising the importance of skilling and reskilling workers for a greener future. Prioritising workforce development is fundamental to achieving net-zero strategies.
The Green Appeal:
Organisations are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices as the world grapples with climate change. Younger employees, in particular, are more likely to choose employers committed to sustainability. Three-quarters of Gen Z employees research an employer's green reputation, and 46% consider it a factor when choosing an employer.
Conclusion:
The green revolution has ushered in a new employment era, with a surge in demand for green talent across industries. While the demand is clear, addressing talent scarcity and nurturing green skills is imperative for organisations aiming to achieve their sustainability goals. Workforce development, reskilling, and fostering a commitment to sustainability will be essential in building a workforce equipped for a greener future.
