Survey: Employees Demand More from Companies on Climate Change and Sustainability

A recent Deloitte survey, the "Sustainability Signals Dashboard," reveals that only 38% of employees believe their employers are doing enough to address climate change and sustainability. This finding highlights a significant gap between employee expectations and corporate actions, and it underscores the increasing influence of environmental considerations on personal choices.

The survey, which tracks shifts in environmental awareness and behavior through biannual surveys of 20,000 respondents in 20 countries, shows a decline in employee satisfaction with their company's sustainability efforts. This suggests that environmental responsibility is no longer a niche issue but a core factor in employee decisions, from where they work to what they buy and invest in.

Below are key highlights of the survey:

1. Employee Sentiment on Corporate Sustainability

• Globally, only 38% of employees feel their employers are doing enough on climate change and sustainability—a drop from 45% in 2021.
  (ESG Today, Deloitte)

• In the U.S., the figure is even lower: just 34%, down from 53% in 2021.
  (ESG Today)

2. Climate Perceptions and Experiences

• 65% of respondents agree that climate change is an emergency. Among ages 18–34, agreement is 68%, versus 63% for those 55+.
  (ESG Today, Deloitte)

• 75% believe in human-caused (anthropogenic) climate change, a consistent trend since 2021 (range: 70–78%). U.S. agreement has risen from 60% in 2023 to 70%.
  (ESG Today)

• Over half of respondents have personally experienced extreme weather—such as heatwaves, floods, or storms—and those firsthand experiences drive increased conviction that climate change is urgent.
  (GRC Report)

3. Behavioral Impacts in Work and Personal Life

• About 25% of employees have considered switching jobs to work for a more sustainable company; a similar share will consider sustainability in a future employer.
  (ESG Today, Deloitte)

• Sustainability is influencing personal decisions:

• One-third consider climate factors when investing or choosing a bank.
  (Deloitte)

• Half of consumers purchase at least one sustainable product monthly, though price remains the primary barrier.
  (Deloitte, GRC Report)

• 50% would consider climate when relocating; 11% have already moved or plan to due to climate impacts. Among 18–34 year-olds, that rises to 66%.
  (Deloitte, GRC Report)

• Summary Table

  Key Insights

  Employer Sustainability: Only 38% (global) / 34% (U.S.) believe companies are doing enough; both down since 2021

  Climate Awareness: 65% view climate change as an emergency; 75% recognize human-caused climate change; many have experienced extreme weather

  Workforce Behavior: ~25% considered leaving their job for greener employers or will judge future offers based on sustainability

  Consumer & Personal Decisions: Sustainability influences investment, purchasing, and relocation, but cost is a top barrier

  Broader Implications

  • Employee trust in corporate sustainability has weakened significantly, particularly in the U.S., which could impact morale and retention.

  • A growing share of the workforce—especially younger generations—places higher importance on sustainability, both in career and lifestyle choices.

  Companies that don’t step up on environmental performance risk losing talent to more proactive competitors and may lose ground in attracting purpose-driven consumers.