by Ronel Pfotenhauer
05 September 2024
In today’s evolving business landscape, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a key strategy, especially in the realm of Human Resources (HR).
During an insightful WebCast hosted by AFSUG and presented by Ronel Pfotenhauer, an expert from LinkTwoSolutions and Sanlam, took a deep dive into the importance of embedding sustainability into HR practices, shedding light on practical approaches and challenges organisations face.
Understanding Sustainability in HR
Ronel kicked off by addressing the complexities and importance of sustainability.
She explained that while sustainability has grown in prominence across organizations, particularly among Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), its practical application in HR is often misunderstood.
She stressed that HR professionals need to think beyond traditional reporting and focus on implementing sustainable practices that can shape the future of the workforce.
The Mainstream Emergence of Sustainability
Ronel emphasised the shift towards actionable sustainability within HR departments.
She pointed out that organizations can no longer limit themselves to mere sustainability reports—they must actively integrate sustainability into their strategic direction.
This means aligning HR processes and practices with broader sustainability goals to make a meaningful impact.
Ethical Dilemmas and Transparency in Sustainability
One of the key points discussed was the ethical dilemmas that arise in the journey towards sustainable HR practices.
Ronel explained that many organisations face a paradox: the gap between their public sustainability goals and their actual internal practices. Transparency is crucial here.
Employees must clearly understand the organisation’s sustainability efforts, which means addressing the disparities between outward goals and internal actions, particularly around issues like poverty and hunger.
Simplifying Sustainability Through the UN’s SDGs
To address the confusion around sustainability definitions, Ronel advocated for simplicity by aligning with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These principles, she argued, can serve as a framework to unify and clarify an organisation’s sustainability initiatives, ensuring that all stakeholders, from leaders to employees, have a common understanding of the goals being pursued.
Integrating Sustainability into HR Systems
Ronel proposed that sustainability should be embedded into HR systems in more explicit ways.
This could involve integrating SDGs and Inner Development Goals (IDGs) into skills libraries, making sustainability measurable within employee competencies.
She also stressed the need for HR systems to support more flexible workforce arrangements, simplifying transitions between contingent, temporary, and permanent employment.
This adaptability would better align with the evolving nature of the modern workforce.
HR Leadership and Accountability
The Session concluded with a call to action for HR leaders.
Ronel urged HR leaders to take accountability for driving sustainable change within their organisations.
This includes simplifying people practices, integrating sustainable technologies, and fostering resilience when challenging the status quo.
By leading with sustainability in mind, HR professionals can significantly influence an organisation’s culture, ensuring that sustainability is not only embraced but embedded into its core.
Ronel’s practical insights underscored the importance of sustainability in HR.
As she noted, integrating these practices is not just about addressing current needs, but about building a sustainable foundation for future workforces.
The journey to sustainable HR requires transparency, ethical clarity and a commitment to continuous improvement, guided by globally recognised frameworks like the UN’s SDGs.
In conclusion, sustainable HR practices offer a pathway for organisations to navigate the complexities of modern work environments while contributing to broader societal goals.
Speaker Contact Details:
Ronel Pfotenhauer | LinkTwoSolutions/Sanlam
EMAIL: Ronel.Pfotenhauer@sanlam.co.za or ronel@linktwosolutions.co.za
LINKEDIN: (25) Ronel Pfotenhauer | LinkedIn
Recording and Slide Deck available on AFSUG’s Website : www.afsug.com
