Latest updated: 22 June 2023

Social sustainability has become an important factor for companies and organizations in recent years, not least because it is one of the three criteria in the sustainability measure ESG. To succeed, one should work based on measurable criteria, while also remembering that measurements are just a tool to ensure progress. In between, continuous efforts are needed to create the right conditions for sustainable performance. This includes developing employees' self-leadership and nurturing well-being and motivation in the workplace.

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it is a sustainability measure used to evaluate companies from a non-financial perspective. The "S" represents social sustainability, which has become a highly significant concept in recent years.

Social sustainability encompasses various aspects, but one of the most important ones is the well-being, satisfaction, and opportunities for growth among employees within an organization. Stress and burnout are significant issues in today's work environment, often leading to costly sick leaves, high turnover rates, and decreased productivity.

To achieve social sustainability in the workplace, it is necessary to create conditions for sustainable performance.

What does sustainable performance mean?

Today's employees face intense pressure for change, as the working world becomes increasingly complex and competitive in the era of globalization and digitalization. All employees have high demands placed upon them and are expected to take significant personal responsibility, while also dealing with a rapidly growing flow of information.

Our brains are not naturally equipped for this reality. The dynamics and flow of information constantly put our brains at risk of perceiving "threats" and "dangers," leading to stress.

Sustainable performance involves providing employees with the means to handle the strong pressure for change they face and offering the mental tools and development opportunities required to perform without succumbing to harmful stress.

There are several aspects that companies need to work on to enable sustainable performance and, consequently, social sustainability in the workplace. Here are some examples:

Developing self-leadership

In today's work environment, all employees need to be good leaders, especially when it comes to leading themselves. Good self-leadership is a fundamental requirement for sustainable performance. Self-leadership necessitates self-awareness, being conscious of one's motivations, personality traits, and behaviors. It involves understanding what triggers motivation or stress, for instance.

Self-leadership also requires adopting a growth mindset, which means perceiving one's own and others' abilities and talents as malleable and capable of development. If someone lacks a skill, they say they don't have it yet. "I'm not good at Excel yet." It embraces the belief that all abilities can be developed. The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset, which implies being stuck in the mistaken belief that one has only the abilities they currently possess and that further development is not possible.

Meaning, motivation, and engagement

To sustain high-performance levels, it is crucial that employees find their work meaningful, motivating, and engaging. Otherwise, the risk of stress and mental health issues increases. Employees should have a clear understanding of the company's purpose and the role they play in fulfilling that purpose.

It is also important for employees to feel competent, have a high level of autonomy, while also feeling like they are part of a team. Additionally, employees should be provided with opportunities for continuous development, such as through training or coaching.

Another factor that contributes to a sense of meaning and engagement is when a company actively engages socially in society, especially when employees can participate in such activities.

Communication and feedback

Effective communication is another essential prerequisite for enabling sustainable performance. This applies to both in-person and digital communication within the office.

What is particularly important is that employees receive ample feedback, especially in the form of affirmation. As mentioned earlier, our brains are inclined to perceive "threats" in today's ever-changing work environment. For every "threat," an employee needs about ten affirmations; otherwise, they risk experiencing harmful stress. It may sound excessive, but affirmations do not need to be elaborate—it can be as simple as acknowledging that the employee has satisfactorily completed a task.

Health, well-being, and work environment

Social sustainability and sustainable performance also require organizations to prioritize the health, well-being, and working environment of their employees - not just through measurements, but by making these factors an integral part of everyday work life.

Actively promote employees' interest in physical activity, proper nutrition, and other related aspects. Take responsibility for the working environment and ensure clear boundaries between work and personal time, whether employees are working in the office or remotely.

Social sustainability is one of the most critical aspects to consider in today's work life. Measurability is absolutely necessary to ensure progress, but for real progress to occur, continuous efforts are required in promoting sustainable performance, as well as health and well-being in the workplace.