Unlocking Synergies by Combining Talent Management with SAP Sustainability

When you hear the word ‘sustainability,’ the first thing most people think of is environmental sustainability — but sustainability is about so much more than reducing your carbon footprint.

SAP has identified three core pillars of sustainability: society, the environment, and the economy — or, stated differently, people, planet, and profit.

Of these three, people are at the heart of everything to drive a sustainable future for our society, the environment, and the economy. A 2022 study suggests that most people believe investing in people sustainability can drive positive economic and environmental sustainability outcomes; therefore, it’s imperative that we consider the people pillar of sustainability.

Read the study: Investments in People Sustainability Drive Positive Business Outcomes, Says New SAP Research

As a result, SAP introduced the term People Sustainability, which focuses on treating people – those within an organization’s workforce, across their supply chains, and in the communities in which they operate – ethically and fairly. Just as environmental and economic sustainability require careful preservation and use of natural and financial resources, people sustainability requires treating people and human potential as precious resources that must be supported and valued to drive resilience, agility, and achievement of sustainability goals.

The HR organization is in a perfect position to lead the cultural and behavioral changes necessary to reach the organization’s sustainability goals. Fostering a sustainable company culture, acting as role models and advocates for the organization’s sustainability values, and providing guidance to ensure managers and employees contribute to sustainability goals are essential for long-term success.