It shouldn’t come as a surprise that businesses are facing growing pressure to do their part to curb the negative effects of climate change. The UN’s 2030 due date for its 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be completed is fast approaching, lighting a fire beneath governments and corporations alike. Meanwhile, consumers are battling record-high heat waves and dealing with weather events that are only becoming more intense. It’s making them pay more attention to which of their favourite brands might be responsible, and who they should stop supporting until things change.

For a forward-thinking business, this is no time to rest on your laurels or be wishy-washy about taking a stance on the issue. It’s time to get serious about your brand’s public image where climate change is concerned. EcoCareers.org, an online talent acquisition service and job board for the green economy, is giving businesses three good reasons why hiring an environmental specialist should be on their agenda, if it isn’t already.

1. It impresses your clients
“Go green to get green,” EcoCareers.org believes. Consumers are paying more attention than ever to which companies incorporate sustainable practices into their business model, and that translates directly into sales gains — or losses.

For instance, research from global consulting firm McKinsey & Company recently found that around 60 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for goods or services if it means supporting a sustainable business. A company that makes an effort to hire sustainability experts will improve its reputation for being climate-friendly, and hard facts suggest that this will also improve their sales.

2. It impresses your staff
Customers aren’t the only ones wowed by corporate efforts to rein in climate change. According to a study by Bupa, corporate healthcare specialists, more than half of the British workers surveyed said they would feel more motivated to work for a company that shows it cares about the environment. In fact, 42 percent of those workers said they would be willing to accept a pay cut if it meant working for an “ethical or environmentally-friendly organisation”.

EcoCareers.org emphasises that this is not to say businesses should pay workers less in the name of sustainability, but rather to show just how important consumers, employees and prospective candidates alike rank a business’ commitment to sustainability.

3. It actually helps the environment
Aside from improving its bottom line, the most important thing a business can achieve by hiring a sustainability or other environmental professional is bringing about actual, meaningful change. Businesses shouldn’t make a sustainability hire just to appear as though they care about the environment. Their actions can actually make a difference that will benefit everyone.

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About EcoCareers
EcoCareers is designed to help hiring managers and businesses connect with jobseeking professionals for sustainable job roles. We are affiliated with Remote Worker (UK), Remote Worker (US), ClickJobs.io and Caribbean Employment Services Inc. For more information, visit https://www.ecocareers.org or contact [email protected].