Matrix Recruitment’s 2025 ESG Careers Report finds that sustainability policies are playing an increasingly important role in job decisions.
It shows that renewable energy and the circular economy are among the career areas of most interest to jobseekers.
Biodiversity and climate policy are also important to them.
Climate tech, AI and sustainability data, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) regulation, are among the business areas that are expected to grow most in the next five years.
Half of those surveyed said their decision to accept a role is influenced by whether an employer has a sustainability policy. However, just 12pc said they would refuse a job offer if a sustainability policy was not in place.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in what today’s workforce expects,” Rena Weld, recruitment manager at Matrix Recruitment, said.
“Younger candidates especially are prioritising environmental values and ESG commitments.
“Employers must embed sustainability into their culture, and not just talk about it, if they want to attract and retain talent.”
She said it is clear from the survey that there is an untapped opportunity for employers to develop sustainability talent from within their own company.
“This is invaluable insight and for many businesses, could be a solution to their green talent shortage,” she said.
Of those not in a green role, 85pc said they would consider a job that contributes to climate action in future.
Unclear job descriptions and a shortage of entry-level positions were among the key barriers they listed.
Over half said they lacked formal qualifications in sustainability. However, only one in 10 professionals surveyed were willing to return to full-time education or take a pay cut to increase their chance of getting a ‘green’ role.
Three in five professionals interested in moving into the green sector said they would like to upskill within their company. Less than half were open to doing a part-time college course.
A total of 84pc of those who responded said all companies should be required to disclose their environmental and ESG impact.
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