Management and sustainability

Health and safety has been considered important for businesses for a long time, but it is highly technical and not central to the dialogue around sustainability – until now. COVID-19 has changed this perspective completely. What we can see now is that what began as an emergency response has led to a more profound change in operating models, with remote working and flexible structures becoming more finessed.

Furthermore, the pandemic demonstrated the viability of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda for both stakeholders and investors. Specifically, it has boosted the significance of social factors at the present time and of environmental factors in the longer term.

Key factors that can influence business resilience and sustainability include:

• Awareness: Act on credible and reliable information before making any ESG decisions
• Behaviour: Communicate with and educate your people about best practice and behavioural expectations in your organisation
• Culture: Have a plan and be prepared to react should there be problems within your culture - inclusivity is a big factor here
• Demonstrate: Protect employees, supply chains, customers, and the public – actions are louder than words
• Invest: In sustainable products and supply – it’s never too early to start being more environmentally conscious, and your customers and your stakeholders will notice
• Encourage: Cleaner production and less material-intensive lifestyles, both in corporate messaging and brand messaging

Dr Malraj B. Kiriella CMgr CCMI is a multi-disciplinary professional and currently serves as the Founder/Owner of South Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Services (SAMAS). He is a past president of CMI and also CMI Chartered Manager Companion.