{"id":10796,"date":"2024-11-28T11:47:07","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T00:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmcrecruitment.com\/?p=10796"},"modified":"2024-11-29T04:03:49","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T17:03:49","slug":"sustainability-as-a-talent-magnet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmcrecruitment.com\/fr\/sustainability-as-a-talent-magnet\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability as a Talent Magnet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sustainability as a Talent Magnet: Redefining Job Priorities in Building Materials<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Par Karine Gagnon, Director<\/a> – Mat\u00e9riaux de construction<\/a> at DMC from her interview with Brian Glen, Director of Sales at Vicwest<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainability has rapidly shifted from being a corporate buzzword to a fundamental aspect of business operations, particularly in industries like building materials, where environmental impact is significant. Today\u2019s workforce, especially the next generation of talent, is increasingly looking beyond traditional job perks and salary in favour of companies that also align with their personal values. Sustainability is no longer just a strategic choice for companies; it\u2019s becoming an expectation from employees. In a recent conversation with Brian Glen<\/a>, Director of Sales at Vicwest, we explore how this trend is influencing recruitment in the building materials sector, and why companies embracing sustainability are gaining an edge in attracting top talent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Shift in Priorities: Sustainability as a Key Consideration for Today\u2019s Job Seekers<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

As sustainability becomes a core value for younger professionals, companies are finding that highlighting environmental responsibility can set them apart in a competitive job market. Brian Glen noted that Vicwest\u2019s sustainability practices are now a major selling point for attracting new recruits, sharing that\u202f<\/span>\u201cin about 78% of interviews, candidates ask us about our sustainability efforts.\u201d.<\/span><\/i> This focus is part of a broader trend, where employees, particularly millennials and Gen Z, prioritize working for companies that take active steps toward a positive or neutral environmental impact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, it\u2019s about connecting with the newer generation,\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202fBrian Glen explained, describing how Vicwest\u2019s sustainability initiatives resonate with prospective employees who want their careers to contribute to a larger purpose. It\u2019s a mindset shift that is redefining recruitment and retention strategies across industries, and in building materials, it\u2019s especially relevant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainability as a Differentiator: The \u201cPlanet Passionate\u201d Initiative<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Vicwest\u2019s commitment to sustainability is a good example of how companies can attract environmentally conscious talent. Through the\u202f<\/span>\u201cPlanet Passionate<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202finitiative – a sustainability program launched in 2015 by their parent company, Kingspan, Vicwest has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase material circularity by 50% in Canada. The program is not just about branding; it\u2019s backed by a $500 million global investment aimed at making meaningful environmental changes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Brian Glen, these efforts are not only environmentally impactful but are also appealing to candidates who value purpose-driven work.\u202f<\/span>\u201cWe aim to transition our fleet to fully electric vehicles by 2025, replace propane-fueled forklifts with electric, and power 85% of our Canadian facilities with solar energy,\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202fhe shared. These commitments, paired with rainwater harvesting and circular material use, resonate strongly with prospective recruits who prioritize sustainability in their careers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An Example of Changing Job Considerations: Attracting Talent Through Purpose<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Brian Glen shared a recent example of how sustainability helped secure a talented new team member.\u202f<\/span>\u201cWe had an experienced team member join us from another company, and although we couldn\u2019t match her salary exactly, we got close enough. What attracted her to our team was our sustainability practices and company culture,\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202fhe explained. For many in the workforce today, alignment with personal values is increasingly influential in decision-making, sometimes even more so than salary alone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Brian Glen\u2019s view, this shift is challenging companies to rethink what they offer prospective employees.\u202f<\/span>\u201cPeople need to understand where the company is headed and how they can grow within it,\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202fhe noted, emphasizing that today\u2019s talent wants both a clear career path and a sense that they are contributing to a positive legacy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainability as a New Kind of Innovation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Innovation in building materials has traditionally focused on products and processes, but today, sustainability itself is driving change. Brian Glen mentioned that Vicwest\u2019s investments in sustainable practices extend through every stage of a product\u2019s lifecycle, from manufacturing to recyclability, aiming to minimize environmental impact. He explained,\u202f<\/span>\u201cThe majority of the materials we manufacture and sell are fully recyclable. They come from recycled materials, don\u2019t emit additional carbon, and don\u2019t negatively affect the environment during their performance.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This forward-thinking approach is attractive to talent who are keen on being part of an environmentally responsible company. While it may seem like a bold departure from traditional company benefits, sustainability has emerged as a vital component of workplace culture, signaling that a business is ready to meet future challenges head-on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u202f<\/span>Talent Demand in the Age of Climate Awareness<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Vicwest story reflects a growing trend: sustainability is no longer a \u201cnice-to-have\u201d but an essential part of a company\u2019s appeal. According to Brian Glen, the next generation values not just what a company makes, but also how they make it. This expectation isn\u2019t just limited to Vicwest or the building materials industry. Across sectors, candidates are gravitating toward employers who demonstrate a commitment to broader social and environmental issues.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSustainability is not just a trend for us; it\u2019s part of who we are,\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u202fBrian Glen said, acknowledging that a commitment to these values can foster loyalty and motivation among employees. For companies aiming to stay competitive in attracting top talent, initiatives like these signal a forward-looking and inclusive approach that resonates deeply with today\u2019s workforce.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u202f<\/span>Conclusion: Embracing the Future by Prioritizing Values<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

As sustainability continues to influence the job market, companies are finding that it\u2019s not just a strategy for reducing their carbon footprint\u2014it\u2019s an effective recruitment tool. For Vicwest, sustainability has become a way to attract individuals who are not only skilled but also aligned and invested in the company\u2019s mission. It\u2019s a model that more companies will likely follow as employees increasingly seek purpose-driven work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a rapidly changing world, Vicwest\u2019s example highlights that aligning with the values of the next generation isn\u2019t just good for the planet; it\u2019s good for business. And for today\u2019s job seekers, this unison might be just the incentive they need to join a company that\u2019s building a better future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact Information:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Karine Gagnon, Director<\/a> –\u00a0 Building Materials at DMC Recruitment<\/span><\/b>\u202f <\/span><\/p>\n

Email: <\/span>kgagnon@dmcrecruitment.com<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vicwest Website<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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