When and how to engage with employee environmental activism: Lessons learned from a global service firm

Abstract

Employee activism, in which employees collectively press an organisation on societal issues, is a growing phenomenon. Many employees have been motivated by the climate crisis to demand more sustainable business practices and insist that employers tackle the issue. Ignoring such activism can have negative reputational effects. This paper examines two employee initiatives that tackled climate change in a global professional service firm and sheds light on how organisations can influence employee-driven undertakings and integrate them with more sustainable business models. Reflecting on best practices, but also on lessons learned from the cases, the article also suggests how organisations can help employee activists stay motivated and pursue their passion sustainably.