Heaptalk, Jakarta — In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, sustainability has become more than just a trend, yet a necessary. Companies worldwide, including Indonesia, are increasingly realizing that a sustainable working culture drives long-term success and helps attract top talent, particularly from younger generations like Generation Z.
In a discussion on the Forum Carbon Indonesia YouTube Channel, Ari Tjahjanto, the Secretary General of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) Indonesia, delivered his insights on how companies can create sustainable workplaces and attract the best professionals in this new era.
Ari observed that implementing Green Human Resources (Green HR) is one of the most critical aspects of strengthening companies and fostering a sustainable working environment. Green HR refers to human resources practices that promote environmental responsibility throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to offboarding.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with former employees, turning them into valuable alumni who can continue to support the company’s mission.
“Green HR covers the entire employee journey, from recruitment, onboarding, and development to retirement,” he added.
The People, Planet, Profit principle implementation
Ari emphasized the importance of the People, Planet, Profit (PPP) principle in modern business strategy. This concept suggests that companies should balance these three critical elements to achieve sustainability.
“Sustainable development is not just for our benefit but also for future generations. Businesses that focus on PPP prioritize the well-being of their employees (People), work to reduce their environmental impact (Planet), and ensure their operations remain profitable (Profit) without compromising ethical and sustainable practices.”
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration
Companies are increasingly expected to adopt ESG frameworks as environmental concerns grow. However, according to Ari, only 35% of companies in Indonesia genuinely understand and implement ESG principles.
“We need to introduce and raise awareness about this movement, specifically in the business community,” Ari said.
He further called for better integration of ESG values into corporate culture, boosting green investment and appealing to talent-seeking employers with robust ethical standards.
Preparing for the Carbon Tax
During the interview, Carbon Activist Peompida Hidayatulloh also revealed one of the most significant upcoming changes in the country’s environmental policies — the carbon tax in 2025. This policy aims to penalize companies that fail to reduce their carbon emissions and reward those who take proactive steps to become greener.
Responding to the matter, Ari believes this could be a turning point for corporate sustainability efforts. Businesses that adapt early to this change could gain a competitive edge by attracting green investments and building a positive reputation among environmentally conscious consumers and job seekers.
“The carbon tax might be the point that makes companies more aware of their environmental impact,” Ari said in his statement.
Attracting Gen Z, climate-conscious employees
Ari observed that this generation is crucial for building a sustainable work culture. From his perspective, Gen Z professionals are much more inclined to work for companies committed to environmental issues.
“Research shows that this rising generation is more attracted and can be retained if the company and its leaders care about the climate,” Ari affirmed.
This generation is not only looking for job security but also for employers whose values align with their own. Companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability will attract and retain top talent from this demographic more successfully.
As businesses face increasing pressure from regulations and the public, adopting sustainable practices is essential for long-term survival. Companies that embrace these instruments can put themselves up for financial success and attract the best talent in the industry.
“If you care for your employees, they will take care of your business,” he concluded.
