The Future of Talent- Green Skills for a Sustainable Workforce
In an era where the climate crisis is at the forefront of global concerns, India is taking substantial measures to combat climate change and foster a sustainable future. As part of this transformation, organizations are realizing the importance of not only recruiting and retaining top talent but also contributing to a greener, more eco-conscious economy. The key to achieving a sustainable future lies in recognizing and developing green skills within the workforce, and this is where SilverPeople, India’s leading sustainability recruitment firm, is leaving its mark.
Global Demand for Green Skills
The need for green skills isn't limited to India; it's a global requirement. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report predicts that by 2027, 69 million new jobs will be created, with 83 million eliminated. A substantial portion of these new opportunities is attributed to the transition towards a greener, more sustainable economy.
LinkedIn's 2023 Green Skills report underscores the significance of this transition, revealing a 12.3% growth in green talent within the global workforce between 2022 and 2023. Intriguingly, one in eight workers across the world now possesses at least one green skill, a number that continues to rise as employees undergo green-skilling, transitioning into eco-responsible roles.
What's more, those with green skills enjoy a 29% higher hiring rate than the workforce average. Currently, 15% of all jobs on LinkedIn feature at least one green skill, indicating a significant 22.4% growth from the previous year.
However, the demand for green skills outpaces the supply, necessitating organizations to upskill their workforce and redefine job roles.
India's Transition to Green Skills
India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 highlights the nation's dedication to sustainability. Despite a commendable 12% year-on-year growth in green talent, the demand for green jobs in India has grown by only 5.1% annually. This discrepancy underscores the need for organizations to create opportunities for their employees to acquire green skills, reshape job roles, and support the nation's sustainability ambitions.
Sustainability has captured the attention of learners in India, as demonstrated by a substantial 5.6X growth in Sustainability course-views on LinkedIn Learning from July 2020 to June 2023.
Further research suggests that adopting a skills-first approach can result in a 12X expansion of India's talent pipeline, surpassing the global average of 9X. A transition towards a greener workforce necessitates placing human capital at the heart of this transformation, with an emphasis on fostering not only knowledge and abilities but also a greener mindset.
The Power of Green Skills in Sustainability
The transition from conventional skills to green skills may involve challenges such as adapting to evolving technologies and addressing investment barriers. HR leaders play a pivotal role in embedding sustainability within their company culture. This can be achieved by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals into performance evaluations, incorporating sustainability into the onboarding process, and recognizing eco-friendly efforts through employee recognition programs.
As a pioneering figure in sustainability recruitment, SilverPeople is well-positioned to facilitate this transformation. At SilverPeople, we recognize the critical demand for green skills and emphasize the paramount importance of adapting to this transition. We are committed to assisting organizations in attracting and recruiting green talent to contribute to a more sustainable future.
SilverPeople acknowledges that building a greener workforce requires a three-pronged approach focusing on mindset, skillset, and toolset. Organizations should work on shifting employees' mindsets, imparting essential skills, and providing the tools for sustainable practices. Commitment to sustainability should start at the leadership level, as it is crucial for initiating and sustaining the transition. Integration of net-zero initiatives can serve as a powerful catalyst for attracting top talent.
In summary, SilverPeople is at the forefront of the green skills revolution, helping organizations hire for the essential green skills needed for a sustainable future. As India embarks on its journey toward a greener economy, SilverPeople's dedication to sustainability is setting new standards in the recruitment industry, leaving a significant impact on both the business landscape and the environment. By concentrating on green skills and aligning with environmentally conscious professionals, SilverPeople is not only revolutionizing the recruitment process but is also contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for India and the world.
SilverPeople, a venture by Uberlife Consulting Pvt. Ltd., offers complete recruitment solutions for all hiring/headhunting requirements in a Focused, Accurate, and Time-bound manner (Proprietary FAT* Methodology).
SilverPeople specializes and is placed strongly in 7 Industry verticals: Retail, E-Commerce, Education, Real estate, Fintech, Digital Transformation and Sustainability. SilverPeople has a deep understanding & strong capability to solve Digital Transformation Hiring challenges and is the go-to place for ‘Go Digital’ recruitment consulting!
