Fostering Employee Sustainability: Competencies Formation for a Resilient Business Environment

Abstract

One of the foremost challenges companies face is a cultivation of a sustainable mindset among the organization itself and its employees. This research paper aims to address this challenge by proposing a sustainability competency model that organizations can implement to bridge the existing sustainability gap in the development of their employees. The paper explores the concept of sustainable competencies within the business environment. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and synthesizing findings from multiple surveys, this study seeks to identify the critical competencies prevalent in diverse industries. The primary objective is to gain insights into the competencies that can be fostered through organizational training and development programs. The research draws on three primary surveys: the "Future of Jobs Report" by the World Economic Forum, the "Global Green Skills Report" by LinkedIn, and the "Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey" by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The proposed sustainability competency model offers a systematic approach to integrate sustainability principles and practices. The research findings and competency model will be further used for subsequent primary research. The model will be tested through semi-structured interviews within automotive companies to assess its effectiveness in fostering sustainability competencies among employees. These insights will contribute to validating and refining the model for driving sustainable practices in the industry. By incorporating these competencies into employee development plans, organizations can effectively evaluate the acquisition and application of sustainability skills. This research contributes to the knowledge on sustainable competencies and their significance in driving organizational success in a rapidly changing world.