There are urgent conversations happening in boardrooms all around the world about the role of ESG. Some leaders see political shifts — particularly those in happening in the US right now — as a sign to scale back on their existing or planned 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 reality play out in real-time. As a B Corp, we work with companies that understand the importance of sustainability, equity, and corporate responsibility. And our latest salary surveys reinforce what we hear every day from clients, founders, and directors: while some corporations might be deprioritising ESG, top talent isn’t. When the market shifts and employees have greater choice, they will remember which businesses stayed true to their values — and which ones didn’t.
Why ESG and DEI still matter regardless of political change
The rollback of DEI policies and ESG regulations in the US is making headlines. Already, major financial institutions are reconsidering diversity targets, and environmental funding programmes are being scaled back. But while policies change, employee expectations do not. People want to work for companies that align with their values, and ESG remains a key driver for talent attraction and retention. A recent PwC survey found 76% of consumers would stop buying from companies that treat employees, communities, and the environment poorly. The same holds true for professionals. Salary and benefits matter, but so do culture, ethics, and purpose. Companies that deprioritise these elements in a bid to follow short-term political trends risk alienating their most valuable asset: their people.
Short-term thinking leads to long-term talent challenges
Businesses that reduce their ESG and DEI commitments in response to political shifts are taking a gamble. It might seem like a pragmatic cost-cutting decision now, but the long-term impact could be damaging. When the market picks up, employees will have the power to choose where they work. And increasingly, they’re looking for employers who take sustainability, diversity, and ethical leadership seriously. The Lloyds Banking Group’s recent decision to adjust diversity targets for executive bonuses has already sparked criticism. Meanwhile, countless other companies that once championed ESG principles are now facing backlash for softening their commitments. These decisions don’t go unnoticed. Clients, employees, and investors are all paying attention.
B Corp businesses are setting the standard
As a B Corp, Hanson Search is part of a growing movement of companies committed to balancing purpose and profit. In the UK alone, there are over 1,500 certified B Corps, representing industries from finance to fashion. These businesses recognise that long-term success isn’t just about financial returns — it’s about people, planet, and sustainable growth. Being a B Corp means committing to transparency, accountability, and high standards of social and environmental impact. And it’s not just about ethics; it’s a smart business strategy. Companies that integrate ESG into their core operations are better positioned to attract investment, retain top talent, and future-proof their organisations.
What businesses should do now
For leaders questioning their next steps, the message is clear: don’t deprioritise ESG and DEI because of short-term political changes. Instead, use this moment as an opportunity to reinforce commitments, refine strategies, and stand firm in corporate values:
- Reassess and strengthen ESG strategies: Align sustainability goals with business objectives and measure progress transparently.
- Maintain DEI commitments: Diverse leadership teams drive better business outcomes, and companies that abandon DEI initiatives risk losing talent to more inclusive competitors.
- Communicate clearly: Employees, clients, and investors want to see action, not just words. Purpose-driven companies that back up their commitments with tangible policies will stand out.
The future of organisations and ESG
The global talent market is shifting. Political uncertainty may cause some businesses to hesitate, but the most successful organisations are those that take a long-term view. Employees, consumers, and investors are all looking for leadership that prioritises sustainability, equity, and responsible business practices. The companies that stay true to their ESG and DEI commitments will emerge stronger, with a more engaged workforce and a competitive edge in the market. Those that don’t? They’ll find themselves struggling to attract and retain the very best talent when the balance of power inevitably shifts. At Hanson Search, we know that the future of work is purpose-led. As we celebrate B Corp Month, we encourage businesses to take a stand — not just because it’s the smart thing for long-term success, but also because it’s the right thing to do.
To chat about how we can support your hiring strategy or DEI initiatives, get in touch with our team today.
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