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EMPLOYERS GUILTY OF GREENWASHING?

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 2 November 2021


HALF OF EMPLOYERS ARE GUILTY OF GREENWASHING, REPORT STAFF

Posted by Monica Sharma | Nov 1, 2021 | HR Strategy News  

Half of employers are guilty of greenwashing, report staff. As COP26 is underway, a new report finds that close to half of employees feel dubious towards their companies’ environmental, social and governance policies.

Close to half of senior employees in the UK (43 per cent) believe that their company is guilty of greenwashing, according to a new report by Advanced.

Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies and businesses who falsely mislead their consumers to make them believe the company or services provided are sustainable when they are not.

The research also found that many employees are concerned that their bosses are prioritising increasing profit (47 per cent) over hitting environmental targets (37 per cent).

This data comes at a time where more countries and businesses alike are trying to implement more eco-friendly policies in order to meet wider environmental targets.

As mandated in the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK is tasked with reducing its carbon emissions by 80 per cent before 2050.

There is also a growing awareness among organisations that this can come with business benefits including building a solid reputation, having a positive impact on communities and giving them an edge against competition.

However, young people specifically were shown to be seeing through businesses’ claims about supporting the environment.

Over half (56 per cent) of 18-24 year olds say their company has been guilty of greenwashing while over four in five (83 per cent) say they understand their organisation’s carbon footprint.

The study indicates that it is young people who wish to align themselves with companies which are environmentally friendly and working towards positive change, claiming this should be a key priority for businesses looking to attract and retain this group.

However, overall, there is significant progress being made with almost half of businesses (47 per cent) educating staff and customers about the measures their organisation is taking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, a third (34 per cent) are downsizing their offices while a similar number (32 per cent) are purchasing carbon offsets such as planting trees.

Gordon Wilson, CEO at Advanced, stated:

Environmental issues matter to everyone, but the young have a vested interest and care about working for an organisation that wants to make a positive impact on the planet.

Having a solid policy with strategies to ensure it is delivered is essential for attracting employees – as well as customers and investors – and for helping build confidence from suppliers and other stakeholders.

It’s time for all businesses to get ahead of the curve on this issue, as the UK government can, and will, begin to stamp down on businesses that are found to be greenwashing.

*This research has been outlined in Advanced’s report “The Advanced Trends Survey Report 2021”. This was carried out online by Research Without Barriers – RWB – between 3rd September 2021 and 17th September 2021. The sample comprised 1,078 senior decision makers working in organisations in the UK with 100+ employees.

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Shepherd Stubbs Welcomes Harrison to the Leadership Team as Director

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 27 March 2025
We are delighted to announce that our recruitment specialist, Harrison, has now joined Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment as a director to support our leadership team. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading independent recruitment company. With over 37 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Shepherd Stubbs has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality staffing solutions across various sectors. Harrison, who has already been working with us for a while, brings valuable experience and knowledge of our operations to benefit both our clients and candidates. His appointment as director reflects our commitment to continued growth, innovation, and excellence in service. This is what Harrison had to say about joining the leadership team: “I am both excited and honoured to be appointed as a director of Shepherd Stubbs. With 37 years of history and success as a leading recruitment agency, I am eager to contribute to the company’s continued growth and future success.” One of our current directors, Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs, said: “A huge welcome to Harrison, who is joining us to support and drive the next stage in Shepherd Stubbs’ development as a leading independent recruitment company!” Our Founder and Director, Sandra Shepherd-Stubbs, added: “A worthy appointment for Harrison! We look forward to the continued growth and success of Shepherd Stubbs with this exciting addition to the team!” As we continue to expand and grow, we are confident that Harrison’s leadership will bring fresh ideas and opportunities to strengthen our services and client relationships. His passion and dedication align perfectly with our values, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.  This is an exciting time for Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our journey. Stay connected with us as we continue to evolve!

Balancing Work and Well-Being: How to Avoid Job Burnout

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 21 March 2025
In today’s fast-paced work environment, burnout has become increasingly common for professionals across all sectors. Long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations all contribute to this and can take a toll on both the physical and mental well-being of the workforce. We understand the challenges and the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Here are some practical steps you can take to help you avoid job burnout and stay motivated in your career.  Recognise the Signs Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process with many signs. Are you experiencing constant fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, or a decline in work performance? If you are feeling overwhelmed, now is the time to act. Set Realistic Goals One of the most common causes of burnout is taking on too much in your work or personal life. While ambition is an excellent quality, it’s essential for your well-being that you set realistic goals and communicate your limits. Learn to say no and ensure you have enough downtime to recharge. Prioritise Self-Care Your health should always come first. Schedule time for regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep. Doing things you love outside of work can also reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Take Breaks It’s easy to feel like you have a lot to do and always need to be ‘switched on’ during your workday, but short, regular breaks can actually boost your productivity. Make the most of any leave you are entitled to over the course of the year to rest and return to work refreshed. Seek Support If you are struggling, always seek support from someone you trust. Whether that’s a family member or a manager at work, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We always encourage professionals to find supportive workplaces that foster a healthy culture and promote employee well-being. Find the Right Work Environment A positive work culture can make all the difference. If you feel stuck in a role that drains your energy, it might be time for a change. Our team is here to help you find opportunities that align with your skills and values. Work is an important part of life, but it should never come at the expense of your well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and seeking out supportive work environments, you can reduce the chances of burnout and maintain a successful career. If you are looking for a new opportunity, our experienced team is here to guide you.
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