Shaping a future your employees want to be part of

The last few years have seen dramatic shifts in how people want to work – and how businesses are having to adapt. Hybrid and flexible working have become largely permanent fixtures: in Britain, around a third of workers now follow hybrid models, splitting their time between home and the office, with purely office‑based roles declining steadily (1). At the same time, more people are juggling multiple roles or ​‘side hustles’ (2) – whether out of financial necessity or a desire for variety.

What individuals value in a job – and what influences their decision to apply or stay – has also changed. These days, a company’s commitment to sustainability ranks high on the list. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that nearly two-thirds of Gen Zs and Millennials are anxious about climate change and over half say they research a company’s environmental impact before accepting a job (3). Meanwhile, a study from IBM revealed that 71% of employees and job seekers find environmentally sustainable companies more attractive – and many are even willing to take a pay cut to work for one (4). That’s a clear message for employers: for today’s workforce, sustainability isn’t a bonus, it’s expected. 

The benefits of responsible business go well beyond recruitment. Studies have shown that purpose-driven companies enjoy 40% higher employee retention and younger workers in particular report stronger loyalty to employers who are ​‘walking the talk’ on sustainability. (5)

At Rewilding Britain we’re finding that more and more businesses are keen to demonstrate genuine environmental commitment by investing in nature. With 83% of the British public supporting rewilding (6), this approach is not only good for the planet; it’s good for brand credibility and talent acquisition too. 

By working with us, our corporate partners are not only investing in rewilding as a practical, proven, and urgently needed solution to the climate and biodiversity crises, but are enhancing their sustainability credentials and engaging employees. Thanks to access to webinars and workshops bringing to life the inspiring stories of on-the-ground rewilding, Rewilding Britain enables businesses to provide their employees with a sense of connection to the most hopeful environmental movement of our time.

“Since we started supporting Rewilding Britain it’s been lovely to see the team grow so much,” explains Neil Clark, Planet Officer at Rewilding Britain partner TPXimpact. ​“There’s definitely been a raising of awareness about how rewilding works and why it’s beneficial.” The company chose to invest in Rewilding Britain because they ​“wanted somewhere our support could really make a difference, but we also wanted somewhere that would help to engage and educate our employees.” 

Employee benefits company Unum chose to work with Rewilding Britain as its first environmental charity partner after employees voted on a long list of potential organisations. ​“A lot of employees didn’t initially know what rewilding meant,” says Susan. ​“Rewilding Britain has been fantastic in helping us to bring the concept to life for so many of us.” Those efforts have included a lunch and learn session, as well as sharing resources to get employees involved in volunteering and details of local members from our Rewilding Network.

As well as Unum’s own corporate sponsorship arrangements, staff have held bake sales, raffles and quizzes, and the company’s Head of Responsible Business, Susan Sanderson, believes the strength of feeling among employees has been driven by the greater understanding of the natural world that the partnership has provided. “(The partnership)… reflects the passion and engagement that our employees have for sustainability and biodiversity.” 

With a bold 2030 ambition to rewild 30% of Britain’s land and seas, it’s clear that Rewilding Britain partners are doing more than backing a cause, they’re helping shape a future that employees want to be part of. For more information on how your organisation can drive forward nature restoration via tiered corporate engagement opportunities with Rewilding Britain, find out more about working with us.