Employees Value Sustainability, Survey Shows

Atlanta, GA, April 4, 2011 -- A new study on workplace values shows American workers seek employment with organizations that are both financially successful and mindful and focus on sustainability.

A survey conducted by Harris Interactive National Quorum on behalf of carpet maker Interface revealed that that 63% of full-time workers believe a company's impact on the environment is vital when evaluating a new workplace, and 61% say the same about the company's profit margin, according to a press release.

Meanwhile, an even greater majority -- 71% -- value a commitment to sustainability, defined in this study as "environmental protection," as an important or very important criteria.

"There is broad recognition that companies that focus on sustainability, or protecting and preserving the environment, are appealing to American workers," said Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of Interface.

"Profits are obviously the lifeblood of any company, but what we see here is that employees want their organizations to have more purpose. These results speak to a lasting trend about the kind of long-term-focused organizations that employees want to belong to."

The study also revealed gender disparities in how employees evaluate potential employers. For instance, 78% of female employees felt a company's impact on the environment was particularly important, while 52% of male workers believed the same.

These findings could point to an opportunity for organizations focused on reducing their impacts on the environment to attract and retain women in leadership positions.