By Mike Pearson
We’re living in an age of unprecedented change. Technology is evolving at lightning speed, workplaces are becoming more flexible, and expectations are higher than ever. In the midst of all this, one thing remains constant: people. And if we want our organisations to thrive in the future, we must focus on something that’s often overlooked – Human Sustainability.
What is Human Sustainability?
Human Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints or ensuring economic stability – it’s about ensuring that the people at the heart of every organisation can continue to grow, adapt, and perform at their best, even as the world around them changes. It’s about creating an environment where individuals have the support and resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
For so many years, organisations have focused on improving performance, meeting deadlines, and hitting targets. But today, we have to ask: How do we sustain our most valuable asset – our people – in a world that demands constant innovation and flexibility?
The Shift from Burnout to Sustainability
Burnout is a real and growing problem. According to a Gallup study, 23% of employees report feeling burned out at work very often or always, and an additional 44% feel burned out sometimes. These numbers are staggering, but they reflect the reality of our overworked, overstressed culture.
We know that a lack of balance, overwork, and constant pressure can lead to diminished productivity, high turnover, and disengagement. So, what’s the solution? Human Sustainability is the answer. It’s the intentional focus on developing and maintaining the resilience, wellbeing, and purpose of individuals in the workforce.
The Foundation: Resilience, Wellbeing, and Purpose
The research is clear. People who are resilient, who have a sense of purpose, and who feel supported in their wellbeing are more likely to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
- Resilience: In a world full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), resilience is the foundation of human sustainability. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed. Organisations that cultivate resilience in their people – not through stress and pressure but through training, mentorship, and supportive leadership – will create environments where individuals can bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and continue to move forward.
- Wellbeing: A study from the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that for every dollar spent on mental health initiatives in the workplace, the return on investment is $4 in improved productivity and reduced absenteeism. Wellbeing isn’t just about physical health – it’s about our mental, emotional, and social health too. The organisations that prioritise wellbeing are way more likely to have engaged, loyal, and high-performing employees.
- Purpose: People who find meaning and purpose in their work are three times more likely to feel motivated, perform at their best, and remain with their employer long-term. According to a report from McKinsey, employees who feel aligned with their company’s purpose are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to recommend the company to others. It’s not enough for leaders to simply offer a paycheck or benefits. Employees need to understand how their work contributes to the larger mission – why it matters.
The Business Case for Human Sustainability
You may be thinking: Isn’t this just nice-to-have? Can’t we just focus on performance and outcomes? And the simple answer is no. Human Sustainability is the cornerstone of long-term business success.
A study conducted by Deloitte found that 87% of organisations that adopted human-centric practices saw an increase in employee engagement, while 78% reported higher retention rates. Companies that put their people first are not only attracting and retaining top talent, but they’re also seeing a direct impact on their bottom line.
In fact, the more sustainable your people are, the more sustainable your organisation will be. It’s a cycle – resilient, purpose-driven individuals contribute to high-performing teams, which in turn drive greater organisational success.
Leading for Human Sustainability
So, what does it take to lead in a way that drives Human Sustainability?
- Lead with Empathy: Empathy is key of Human Sustainability. It’s about understanding that everyone’s challenges and needs are unique. Leaders who show empathy create environments where people feel heard, supported, and valued.
- Focus on Continuous Development: The pace of change is not slowing down. Organisations that invest in continuous learning, mentorship, and upskilling will be more resilient in the face of disruption.
- Build a Culture of Trust: Trust is the bedrock of any sustainable organisation. Leaders must cultivate trust by being transparent, showing vulnerability, and creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and share ideas.
- Commit to Flexibility: Flexibility in the workplace is a necessity. Allowing employees to balance work and life in ways that suit their individual needs creates wellbeing, reduces burnout, and builds loyalty.
The Future of Work is Human
The future of work isn’t just about technology, AI, or automation. It’s about ensuring that our most valuable resources – our people – are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Human Sustainability is the key to thriving.
We have a choice: we can continue down a path that prioritises short-term gains and productivity at the cost of our people, or we can invest in Human Sustainability, creating environments where individuals are empowered, resilient, and connected to a sense of purpose. The choice is clear.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to build a future where people thrive. So make sure you’re ready for it!
Want to learn more about how Human Sustainability can transform your organisation? Reach out and let’s start the conversation.