ESG & DEI in Recruitment: Why Purpose-Led Hiring Still Matters 

There are urgent conversations happening in boardrooms around the world about the future of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). Some leaders interpret current political shifts, particularly those in the United States, as a signal to scale back ESG or DEI initiatives. Others, however, recognise that purpose-led business isn’t a passing trend; it’s the foundation of long-term success.

At Hanson Search, we see this play out in real-time. As a certified B Corp, we partner with businesses that understand the long-term value of sustainability, equity, and corporate responsibility. Our latest salary surveys reinforce what we hear daily from founders, directors, and senior talent: while some companies may deprioritise ESG, top talent does not. When markets shift and talent gains greater choice, employees will remember which businesses stayed true to their values and which didn’t.

ESG and DEI in Recruitment: Why They Still Matter in 2025

The rollback of DEI policies and ESG regulations in the U.S. is making headlines. Major financial institutions are reconsidering diversity targets and some environmental funding programmes are being scaled back. But while public policy changes, employee expectations don’t. People want to work for employers that reflect their values. ESG remains a key driver for talent attraction and retention. A recent PwC survey found that 76% of consumers would stop buying from companies that mistreat employees, communities, or the environment. The same holds true for job seekers. While compensation and benefits remain important, so do culture, ethics, and purpose. Businesses that deprioritise these areas in response to short-term political shifts risk alienating their greatest asset: their people.

The Recruitment Risk of Scaling Back ESG and DEI

Reducing ESG and DEI commitments might seem like a pragmatic, cost-saving measure, but the long-term consequences are often underestimated.

When the job market rebounds, employees will have more power to choose employers that align with their values. Increasingly, that means businesses with strong positions on sustainability, diversity, and ethical leadership. For example, Lloyds Banking Group’s decision to adjust diversity-linked executive bonuses drew immediate criticism. Other organisations that previously championed ESG principles are now facing backlash for walking back commitments. These decisions are visible. Clients, employees and investors are paying attention.

How B Corps and Purpose-Led Recruitment Are Shaping the Talent Market

As a B Corp, Hanson Search is proud to be part of a global movement of businesses that balance profit and purpose. In the UK alone, there are now over 1,500 certified B Corps across a wide range of industries. B Corps commit to high standards of transparency, accountability and social and environmental performance. And this isn’t just good ethics, it’s smart business. Organisations that embed ESG principles into their operating model are better positioned to:

• Attract values-driven talent
• Retain high performers
• Appeal to ESG-conscious investors
• Build long-term resilience

In recruitment, B Corp status is more than a badge, it’s a signal of trust and integrity.

How to Strengthen Your ESG Hiring Strategy

If you’re reassessing your ESG or DEI strategy, this is not the time to scale back. It’s the time to double down:

Reassess and Strengthen ESG Goals : Align sustainability targets with business strategy. Be transparent in how you measure and report progress.

Maintain DEI Commitments : Diverse leadership teams lead to better outcomes. Companies that pull back risk falling behind more inclusive competitors.

Communicate with Clarity : Don’t just say it, show it. Candidates, employees and clients expect action, not lip service. Be clear and consistent in how you live your values.

The Future of Work Is Purpose-Led

The global talent landscape is shifting. Political uncertainty may cause hesitation, but the most successful organisations will take the long view. Whether you’re recruiting for sustainability professionals, building out a diverse leadership team, or embedding ESG into your organisational DNA — your values matter.

The companies that stand firm in their commitments will build:

• Stronger cultures
• More engaged teams
• A distinct competitive advantage

Those that don’t will find themselves struggling to attract and retain the very best.

Hanson Search: Your ESG & Sustainability Recruitment Partner

At Hanson Search, we believe the future of recruitment is purpose-led. As a B Corp-certified global executive search firm, we support organisations in hiring for sustainability, ESG leadership, and DEI-driven roles. Whether you’re redefining your talent strategy, advancing ethical hiring practices, or scaling your sustainability function, we can help.

Contact our ESG and sustainability recruitment experts today to future-proof your workforce with the right values-aligned talent.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales.