The crucial role of career development in achieving true sustainability

The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are more than buzzwords—they are a core and essential framework shaping corporate responsibility and sustainability. While you may have noticed environmental and governance aspects have often dominated discussions, the social pillar is equally critical. It reflects an organization’s commitment to its people and communities . And at the end of the day, people are the driving force in achieving this sustainability goal.

One powerful way to advance the social component of ESG is through career development and employee development initiatives. These efforts not only enhance individual skills but also foster a culture of social responsibility, improve employee engagement, and align with broader sustainability goals. Companies worldwide have embraced this approach, demonstrating how aligning training and learning & development policies with ESG objectives can lead to a positive societal impact, sustainable growth, and a more equitable workplace.

At its core, employee and career development drive social responsibility, making it a cornerstone of the ESG framework. By prioritizing their employees’ development, companies ensure that they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive. This connection manifests in several ways. Training programs that promote D&I help create inclusive workplaces. They ensure that employees from diverse backgrounds also feel valued and empowered.

Comprehensive development policies boost employee satisfaction and motivation. Workers who feel supported are more likely to stay engaged and contribute meaningfully. Programs that incorporate mental health and work-life balance enhance overall employee well-being, fostering a more supportive and productive environment.

Career development too has become a focal point in modern workplaces, driven largely by evolving employee expectations. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, Gen Z, for instance, values purpose-driven organizations that prioritize societal impact, offer clear growth paths and meaningful learning opportunities.

This means companies should make sure they provide resources for employees to take ownership of their careers, create transparent development plans that cater to individual needs and encourage lifelong learning, ensuring employees remain adaptable in a changing world.

By meeting these needs, companies not only retain top talent but also position themselves as a desirable employer for future generations.

At Bekaert, we exemplify how aligning employee development with ESG goals can achieve meaningful results. Our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and well-being stands as a best practice for others to follow.

Our learning initiatives are rooted in our broader ESG strategy in an effort to foster and inspire growth both professionally and mentally in order to embolden a sustained future. As a baseline, these programs generally look to:

1. Promote inclusivity: By offering diverse development opportunities, we ensure that learning is accessible to all employees, regardless of their role or background.
2. Support leadership growth: Our leadership portfolio is tailored to support leaders in different stages of their career, in line with our leadership framework. The framework defines the behaviors we demonstrate when leading ourselves, leading teams, and leading the business.
3. Enhance well-being: We integrate overall wellbeing into our development programs, to help our leaders deliver sustainable performance and create a positive employee experience.  

For organizations looking to enhance the social component of their ESG strategies, we suggest several actionable best practices:

1. Integrate people development into ESG: Align development initiatives with broader organizational goals to ensure a unified strategy.
2. Foster inclusivity: Offer programs that address diverse needs and promote equitable access to learning opportunities.
3. Prioritize well-being: Incorporate wellbeing and work-life balance into learning and development programs to create a supportive culture.
4. Encourage continuous learning: Implement regular learning opportunities, such as our Learning Fridays, to emphasize the value of development.
5. Measure and adapt: Use metrics like engagement surveys and training reach to evaluate impact and refine programs over time.

Looking forward, we aim to deepen our commitment to career development and sustainability. We envision a workplace where employees are empowered to take charge of their growth, supported by a culture that values learning and inclusivity.

By integrating employee development into its ESG strategy, Bekaert sets a powerful example of how businesses can balance profitability with purpose. Our initiatives demonstrate that investing in people is not just socially responsible — it’s a pathway to sustainable growth.

As the importance of ESG continues to grow, companies that prioritize employee development, enhance employee engagement, and align with generational expectations will be well-positioned to lead in an increasingly purpose-driven world. Bekaert’s journey offers a compelling roadmap for achieving these goals, proving that the future of work is rooted in responsibility, inclusivity, and continuous learning.