Older employees place most emphasis on working for an environmentally-friendly organisation

The vast majority of the workforce thinks it important that they work for an environmentally-friendly employer, with older staff placing greater weight on this than younger employees, new research has found.

Overall, 88% of workers believe it to be ‘very’ or ‘quite’ important that their employer is environmentally friendly but, among those aged 35 or younger, the number falls to 83%.  The proportion rose to 86% of 35-44 year olds, 89% of 45-54 year olds and 96% of the over 55s.    

The findings form part of IFF Research’s annual Attitudes to Work study, which outlines the views of Britain’s workers on a range of issues affecting their employment.

Mark Speed, Joint Managing Director at IFF Research, said:  “It’s of little surprise to see the environment is of such importance to staff overall.  However, we were intrigued to see that under-35s place less emphasis on it as this age group has traditionally been seen as the one most interested in environmental issues.

“It could be that, in difficult economic times, the priority for the younger generation is to be in a secure, well-paid job and, for some, other considerations are more peripheral.  While the environment still resonates with most, one in six in this age group – 17% - do not cite working for a green employer as a major concern.”