Fresh Perspectives: Why Millennials Deserve A Spot At The Helm Of Your Business Sustainability

Julie Starr • February 19, 2021



When it comes to change in the workplace, it’s not unusual for employers to turn to their longest standing and most trusted employees. After all, no one understands the inner workings of your company better. Unfortunately, as legitimate as this thinking may be, keeping business change in such a close, and sometimes stagnant circle, can also see you falling behind, especially on the sustainability front.

In many ways this makes sense – why would people want to actively overhaul processes that have served their work environments for years? No one likes change, after all. But, in this day in age, change is inevitable, or at least it should be where your sustainability focus is concerned. 

Luckily, times are changing, with forward-thinking managers putting more and more millennial leaders through development coaching that puts them at the institutional forefront. This is beneficial for bringing modern and fresh outlooks to every corner of business, but where sustainability is concerned, managers are especially noticing the benefits of following a millennial lead, including –

Increased awareness of environmental issues

There’s no way you can build a sustainable future for your business until you understand the issues at play. Unfortunately, while it isn’t always the case, many individuals from older generations are out of touch, or may only have a blanket awareness of what’s going on. By comparison, millennials have grown up in a world where global warming is a buzzword. Most young professionals studied environmental impact in school, as well as being far more likely to have attended notable environmental protests of recent years, such as the largely millennial-led efforts of Extinction Rebellion. This puts them in a unique position to know not only what’s what, but also what your company needs to do about it. 

Passion to fuel improvements

Alongside this increased awareness comes an environmental passion that seems to fuel the values of countless millennials. In fact, this generation cares so much about environmental impact at work that 10% would take a pay cut for a sustainable work environment , while 70% have previously left a job due to a lack of environmental focus. This signifies some pretty strong beliefs, and that level of passion is guaranteed to take your company’s environmental efforts much further than if they were implemented by someone who didn’t much care either way. 

The capability to spread the message

Obviously sustainable business is about more than spreading the message, but making sure that people know what you’re doing both increases your chances of impressing, and also setting a better precedent for other companies in your sphere. And, no one knows how to shout about environmental issues more than millennials. After all, with social media at their fingertips, this is the generation that brought the issue to the forefront in the first place. And, you can bet they can utilize those same social skills to spread the word and see your sustainability focus having more than just environmental impact.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to let your millennial workforce guide you for once.

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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