Business Futures: Sustainable business through Green HR

Sustainability is now a well-entrenched practice in businesses that recognise the longer term benefits of acknowledging the social and environmental impacts of their work. But while governments at all levels often encourage responsible social and environmental action, implementation is often left to individual organisations and their executive team with many under pressure from shareholders driven by a profit-centred return on investment (ROI) model. Environmental and sustainable practices therefore become a HR matter - it’s people that must make the difference. On this course you’ll ask and answer – what exactly is sustainability? And we’ll investigate an emerging trend in business to pursue a sustainable approach to human resources, known as Green HR. Understand the meaning of Green HR through looking at the fashion industry Through the lens of the fashion industry you’ll explore the essential features of Green HR, the value placed on human capital and how to balance sustainable values against business viability. Explore different types of sustainability The course will also lead you through a conceptual model to measure sustainable practice, known as the Triple Top Line and you’ll be encouraged to discuss this model with other learners. Learn about making sustainable businesses work in practice Operating a sustainable business can be tricky. We’ll look at how this can work in practice covering: How to change mindsets to balance self-interest and social responsibility How to identify barriers to sustainable business What are the drivers of change How to implement a multi-stage approach to sustainability The role of Green HR in developing, implementing and maintaining sustainable shared values You’ll also learn about identifying influences on sustainable practice from both inside and outside the enterprise, including the role of leaders, motivation of employees, behavioural and culture change and how to measure its effectiveness. Critical issues, such as transparency and authenticity in sustainable business practice, are also discussed to help you identify ‘greenwashing’ and recognise those organisations that really do ‘walk the talk’.