45% workers would consider resigning if the values of the company did not align with their own, survey finds

Pay and benefits are no longer the only critical factors in deciding where to work, with a striking majority citing their employers’ values (80%) and commitment to the environment (76%), and social equality (75%) as key criteria, reveals a survey commissioned by Paul Polman.

The Net Positive Barometer, a survey of 2,000 British employees, reveals that 41% are concerned about paying their bills, while 69% are anxious about the future of the planet and society, and 64% of employees say that the acceleration of global crises raises the bar of expectations for businesses.  

Two-thirds (66%) of UK employees want to work for companies trying to have a positive impact on the world, but 68% say that current efforts by business to tackle environmental and societal challenges do not go far enough.  

45% of workers would consider resigning from their job if the values of the company did not align with their own. Indeed 35% report having resigned from another position for this reason, while the same proportion would consider taking a pay cut to work for a company that shares their values. 

The Barometer illustrates the link between companies’ social and environmental actions and employees’ job satisfaction. For instance, those who say their company has goals or targets on the environment are more likely to say they are motivated at work than those who do not think their company has goals or targets (73% vs. 50% in the UK).

This is especially the case for Gen Z workers, who already make up 9.5% of the UK population. Two-thirds (66%) would be less motivated if their company’s values did not align with their own.  

Paul Polman, responsible business advocate and Co-Author of “Net Positive”, stated: “The Net Positive Barometer is a wake-up call. Times have changed and employees no longer want outdated corporate social responsibility initiatives and a lack of action.

“Unsatisfied and unmotivated employees recognise the power is in the hands of the CEOs. They want to work for companies which work to tackle the world’s greatest challenges, and they want to play their part. Or they’ll leave.” 

Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, added: “Companies must be courageous and transform their businesses together with their employees, rather than making more empty promises behind closed doors.

“Gen Z wants to join them on this journey and to be a part of the solution to tackle climate change, ensure rights are respected through their supply change and that inequality is effectively addressed. CEOs must embrace this partnership and they’ll be rewarded with a more satisfied and motivated workforce.”