PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NAVEXThe leader in integrated compliance and risk management software,, today shared key findings from a survey that surveyed 1,250 managers and senior executives about ESG practices in companies across the U.S.A, U.K, France, Germany, and France. The survey results show that ESG measures will continue to be a priority for businesses in 2022. This is especially true as they emphasize a balanced focus on environment, governance, and social factors.
The following are the top findings
- ESG is a priority for organizations. Respondents reported that their company has increased its ESG focus (46%), or will keep it the same (41%). Only 3% of respondents reported plans for decreasing ESG spending in 2022. This is a smaller group that the 6% who reported plans for decreasing ESG spending by 2021.
- 83% of respondents agree or somewhat that ESG factors have an impact on a business’s reputation.
- Nearly a third (29%) respondents rate all ESG elements equally important for their company’s business. All other respondents were significantly more likely than to rate Environment (33%), Social issues (25%), and Governance (13%).
ESG is no longer optional. Stakeholders now expect organizations to address and report on issues related corporate, environmental, and social responsibility. Karen Alonardo (VP of ESG Solutions at NAVEX) said. Todays data reflects organizational commitment to evaluate their ESG programs now, build confidence in their performance and illustrate their progress to key stakeholdersespecially with ESG regulation on the horizon.
ESG Effectiveness
Respondents believe that companies should have a formal process or program to measure and report on ESG metrics. Nearly 70% of respondents say that their company doesn’t have an ESG program or process.
One in three respondents says their organization’s performance against ESG indicators is very effective. However, the percentage of respondents who feel their company is performing very efficiently was lower than 2021 across E-S and G metrics. This could be a reflection that organizations are gaining a deeper understanding of ESG.
- 31% of respondents feel that their company’s performance is poor. Environmental metricsVery effective
- 35% of respondents said their company’s performance was poor Social metricsVery effective
- 31% of respondents feel that their company’s performance is poor. Governance metricsVery effective
U.S. shows strong ESG momentum
The momentum surrounding ESG in the U.S. is not slowing down. U.S. respondents are most likely (55%) say that their company plans on increasing spending on ESG factors this fiscal year. The U.K. respondents (51%) were not far behind, followed closely by Germany (42%), and France (40%).
Respondents who do not have an ESG process or program in place at their companies were generally more likely to agree with those in the U.K. (46% somewhat, 32% strongly) that they should. Comparatively, respondents from the U.S. were more likely to have one. Strongly38 percent of respondents agree that their company should have a formal program or process.
Respondents from France and Germany were more likely to identify Environment as the most important element of ESG for their company’s business reputation. However, respondents from the United States were more likely to indicate that all elements of ESG are equally important for their company’s business reputation.
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ESG elements most important for business reputation, country-specific: |
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Factors are equally important |
Environment |
Social Issues |
Governance |
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|
U.S. |
34% |
29% |
24% |
12% |
|
U.K. |
31% |
35% |
24% |
10% |
|
France |
27% |
31% |
28% |
14% |
|
Germany |
19% |
40% |
27% |
14% |
About the Survey
OnePoll conducted the survey on behalf of NAVEX in February 2022. It included responses from 1,250 senior-level executives and management in the U.S.A, U.K. and France, who all work for companies with at least 500 employees.
About NAVEX
NAVEX is the global leader in risk and compliance management software. NAVEX empowers thousands of customers to manage and mitigate their risks with confidence. NAVEX’s mission is to support customers in promoting ethical, inclusive workplace cultures, protecting their brands, and preserving the environment through sustainable business practices. For more information, please visit NAVEX.com Check out our website Blog. Follow us Twitter LinkedIn.
