Importance of sustainability management grows

Sustainability:
More than just a nice-to-have

Today, sustainability is an unavoidable issue. When choosing an employer, specialist employees are becoming more and more interested in companies’ environmental protection, human rights, and ethics activities. Consumers, as well, are paying more attention to how and where products are produced. They have realized that they as consumers can influence issues like resource consumption. Organizations not yet fully convinced by these arguments may soon in some cases be obligated by law to deal with sustainability issues. They will need specialists with specific expertise to develop and implement their strategies. The analysis of 343 job advertisements shows: These experts are in demand in almost all sectors. They need above all an academic degree, professional training, and an understanding of current standards and regulations. Workers interested in a job in sustainability management must also have good communication skills, persuasiveness, and be able to stand up for what they believe in if needed. In return, they will enjoy attractive benefits, continuing development opportunities, and flexible working hours.

The issue of “sustainability” is often reduced to environmental issues. Social aspects and corresponding corporate governance are associated with the term less often. Nevertheless, these three aspects belong together, under the rubric of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Today, organizations face more obligations to prove what they are doing to improve in these areas and minimize risks that can result from their actions.

They may have different motivations for dealing with these issues. Some companies voluntarily prepare sustainability reports where they disclose the measures they are implementing in relation to environmental, social and employee concerns or to fight corruption. Under the EU reporting obligation, however, starting in 2026 many more companies will be bound to give account on these issues. It will apply to around 15,000 companies in Germany. Sustainability specialists who can handle these duties are accordingly in demand. To prepare the DEKRA labor market report, 343 job advertisements were analyzed to find out what duties they will be taking on, and what skills specialists are expected to have.