Deloitte survey: 46% of high-income workers weigh sustainability job moves

A Deloitte survey of 24,000 people across 24 nations found 46% of higher-income workers would change jobs for more sustainable employers, versus 13% of lower-income respondents. The findings signal that Indian employers' ESG credentials may increasingly influence talent attraction and retention among higher earners.

Deloitte's study 'Economic uncertainty puts pressure on sustainable behavior change,' surveying 24,000 participants across 24 nations in March 2023 using data from 2021 to 2023, found income-based gaps in sustainability action. Some 46% of higher-income respondents contemplated changing jobs for more eco-conscious companies, versus 20% of middle-income and 13% of lower-income respondents. Participants reporting personal behaviour changes to combat climate change fell from 65% in September 2021 to 54% in March 2023, attributed to energy crises, inflation and job losses, though over two-thirds consistently called climate change urgent.

The findings affect employers, HR and sustainability leaders managing talent across income groups. Higher-income workers showed greater capacity to act on sustainability values: 59% frequently chose sustainable products versus 42% of lower-income; about a quarter used home renewable energy versus roughly half that among lower- and middle-income groups. Cost was the primary purchasing barrier, cited by 53% of lower-income versus 32% of higher-income consumers. Higher earners also engaged more in political and civic sustainability activity and environmental donations.

Indian employers, HR teams and ESG strategists should monitor how sustainability credentials influence recruitment and retention, particularly among higher-income professionals where 46% would switch jobs for greener employers. Deloitte's Jennifer Steinmann stressed understanding individuals' motivations and barriers across personal, professional and communal spheres. Companies should track the widening concern-action gap driven by economic pressures and consider how workplace sustainability efforts, satisfaction with which varied sharply by income, affect talent outcomes and broader emission-reduction goals under the Paris Agreement.

Key figure — High-income workers considering sustainability job switch: 46%