The role of sustainability in attracting top talent

Sprinklr, the leading enterprise software company for all customer-facing functions, is focused on unifying silos, teams, and technology so brands can improve the experiences of the customers we serve. Like our platform, our ESG commitment is also a unified effort to create value across every part of our business from product design to implementation, and for our shareholders. 

In today's competitive job market, many candidates want to work for companies that align with their values - especially when it comes to sustainability and environmental responsibility. To explore this growing trend, we interviewed Chloe Wellman, Associate Director of Belonging, to hear her insights on how sustainability impacts talent attraction and why it is so important for companies to embrace environmental responsibility. 

In her role at Sprinklr, Chloe leads the development and implementation of global initiatives on Belonging and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Future of Work (FOW). She partners with cross-functional teams to operationalize and communicate Sprinklr's ESG and Belonging strategies to the company’s investors, customers, and stakeholders, while ensuring Sprinklr’s FOW practices support a diverse and inclusive work culture. 

Why does sustainability matter to job candidates? 

“Many people, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize aligning their careers with their personal values, and sustainability represents a powerful way to make a positive impact. People want to work for companies that reflect their concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and social equity, and they are increasingly selective in choosing employers that demonstrate a solid, consistent and transparent commitment to these issues.” 

Chloe’s insights reflect a broader trend across industries - candidates today are not just looking for a job. They are looking for a purpose-driven employer that shares their personal values. 

What is driving this shift in priorities? 

According to Chloe, it is about job candidates’ desire to work in organizations that are not only responsible but also positioned for enduring success. “Job candidates understand that sustainability is tied to long-term business success,” she explained. “Companies that invest in sustainable practices are viewed as better equipped to handle future regulatory, environmental, and market changes, which signals long-term stability and growth. Employees see these companies as more resilient and adaptable in the face of global challenges.” 

How do ESG initiatives help build a positive workplace culture? 

Beyond success and stability, people are also drawn to companies with positive workplace cultures. “Companies that prioritize sustainability often promote values like transparency, collaboration, and accountability - qualities that foster a more inclusive and engaged workforce,” Chloe shared. 

At Sprinklr, our focus on sustainability is as much about the people as it is about the planet. “By working for a sustainable employer, candidates feel that they are part of a bigger mission, which increases job satisfaction and strengthens their sense of belonging,” Chloe said. 

How does sustainability affect employee retention? 

In addition to attracting top talent, sustainability also helps with keeping employees engaged. At Sprinklr we live and work by a set of unifying values. We call it The Sprinklr Way, and it is our path for working, living, and being. One of our core values is, “We Passionately, Genuinely Care.” Chloe shared how deeply this value is tied to our sustainability initiatives, which we believe can boost retention. “This core value is instrumental in everything we do related to sustainability, and we believe it can improve employee retention by fostering a sense of purpose and aligning company values with those of our employees. When employees see that their company is genuinely committed to environmental and social responsibility, it creates a deeper connection to the organization and increases job satisfaction,” she explained. 

Sprinklr’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives promote a positive workplace culture based on ethics, transparency, and community involvement. Chloe noted that this, combined with well-being initiatives like green office spaces or community service opportunities, leads to a more fulfilling work experience and encourages employees to stay longer. 

Do you have any advice for companies just starting on their sustainability journey?    

When asked what advice she would give to companies just beginning to integrate sustainability into their recruitment strategy, Chloe shared her experience in helping Sprinklr publish its very first ERG report this year, in 2024. 

She recommended getting started with assembling a dedicated team of executive sponsors, cross-functional team leads, and ESG stakeholders. She highlighted the importance of this team being well-versed in the value of ESG, how it makes a business or product easier to sell and leveraging their ability to attract and retain top talent. "This includes anyone who can impact and help improve on things such as minimizing carbon footprint in our purchasing practices. It also includes HR functions around fair and ethical treatment of employees and the legal teams who ensure governance is implemented and followed on a global scale. These stakeholders will be the key to collecting all the information about your current practices and will also be the team that helps to implement change,” Chloe shared. 

And finally, she said, “Just go for it!” Another core value we have at Sprinklr is, “We are Fearless. Be confident: we’ve got this!” Chloe Wellman is living proof of leading The Sprinklr Way in aligning with Sprinklr’s goals for our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. 

How do you see the impact of sustainability shifting the future of work and talent recruitment?  

As sustainability continues to grow in importance for today’s talent pool, integrating environmental responsibility into recruitment strategies has shifted from being a nice-to-have to a must-have. We have explored how sustainability not only attracts top talent but also strengthens employee retention by aligning company values with those of its workforce. By building a culture rooted in transparency, ethics, and social responsibility, companies can build deeper connections with employees and create a more engaged, purpose-driven work environment where people thrive. 

At Sprinklr, we have made sustainability a core part of our values. We believe in the power of a unified approach for the shared success of our customers, partners, employees, and society at large. As we continue to evolve and grow, we trust that our focus on sustainability will help us attract and retain the best talent, who are as passionate about making a positive impact as we are. 

To learn more about our ongoing efforts in sustainability and how we are making a difference, we encourage you to explore Sprinklr’s latest ESG report, where we detail our goals, initiatives, and progress in creating a more sustainable future. 

Click here for Sprinklr's ESG Report