“We surveyed 4,000 workers in the USA and the UK and the results should make everyone at board level take notice.” - Paul Polman (former CEO of Unilever)

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What is “climate quitting”?

Climate quitting is a growing phenomenon in the world of work, in which workers voluntarily quit their jobs for the climate. In other words, you quit your job because you believe that the company you work for is destroying the environment and the climate or is not working enough to protect the climate. Workers take action and take a clear stance. The term also refers to job seekers who exclude certain companies or industries because of their impact on the climate.

The passion and determination that makes climate quitting an interesting opportunity for companies that want to pay attention to workers' priorities.

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An overview of the statistics

Various research from Paul Polman, KPMG, Yale University and deloitte all highlight that climate protection is a central concern for workers and that "climate quitting" is on the rise.

• 35% The adults in the USA and the UK claim that they have already left a job because the company's values do not match their own. For Gen Z, the number is even at 49%.
• 51% Economics students would accept a reduced salary to work for an environmentally responsible company

A glimpse of the future: Millennials and Gen Z

The studies highlight that “climate quitting” primarily occurs among younger generations. The Deloitte study, for example, found that the environment is the  biggest ethical factor for workers.

Millennials are the generation that was born between 1981 and 1996 and Generation Z describes people born in 1997 and later. Because they grew up with the threat of the climate crisis and an uncertain future, they therefore have different priorities when choosing work compared to older generations.

By 2025, millennials will 75% of the working population and climate concerns will therefore become ever more important. To attract and retain new talent, companies must take effective measures so that they can ensure that their work is compatible with a climate-friendly future. “Climate Quitting” therefore offers an indispensable insight into the new priorities of future workers — an insight that companies should take seriously.

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How companies can benefit from new climate awareness

Although the statistics seem worrying, they also represent an opportunity: they show us exactly what workers want and where employers are failing to meet those expectations.

Employee satisfaction leads to improved productivity and, ultimately, higher sales. A clear environmental stance is motivating, can unite a team, and foster greater loyalty to the company. Moreover, the passion and integrity employees demonstrate through "climate quitting" are undoubtedly valuable traits in the workplace.

“Trust me, when people are willing to quit their jobs because of their values and are convinced that companies can be profitable and do good for society and the environment at the same time — then you don't want to lose that person. ” - Paul Polman

To avoid "climate quitting," all companies should prioritize their sustainability strategy. Effective communication with employees, transparency about the measures taken, and openness to criticism and feedback are crucial to ensure the strategy is not seen as greenwashing. This not only protects the climate but also strengthens corporate culture, boosts productivity, and attracts future talent. Companies that take a proactive role are rewarded with skilled employees and enhanced employer attractiveness.

Advance your company's sustainability strategy

The development of a responsible climate strategy for companies comprises two key elements:

• Reducing your own CO₂ footprint
• Effective investment in global or regional climate protection projects

When selecting suitable projects for the latter point, there are many important criteria. These should of course not only have positive effects on the climate, but should also be certified and be able to prove their positive effects. In addition, it doesn't always have to be just about CO₂ emissions, but there are numerous other climate protection measures that, for example, promote biodiversity and support local communities.

Regenerative agriculture is one promising solution. This agricultural approach improves soil fertility and supports biodiversity on our fields. Regenerative agriculture also increases the storage of carbon in the soil, which can be used as an effective remedy against climate change. This makes investing in carbon credits from renewable agriculture particularly attractive for companies, as they can demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future and can thus prevent climate quitting within their own company.

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Find out more here about climate projects in regenerative agriculture and how your company can support them.

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