Turn purpose into profit — join SB'25 San Diego to scale sustainable innovation and unlock brand growth.

Report:
Employees Want CEOs to Take Public Stand on Environmental Issues

New research by global research consultancy Povaddo LLC has revealed that 65 percent of employees want their CEO to publicly take a stand on environmental and social issues.

New research by global research consultancy Povaddo LLC has revealed that 65 percent of employees want their CEO to publicly take a stand on environmental and social issues.

Respondents were presented with a list of 23 social and environmental issues and asked, “Would you like to see your employer use its influence to take a public stand and/or be more vocal on any of the following issues?” Renewable energy and climate change were identified as the top issues they would like to see their employers address, as well as clean air, water and open spaces and improving public education. Furthermore, 82 percent of employees said that they wanted their CEO to rally support inside their company and 79 percent want their CEO to oppose government attempts that run counter to their company’s position.

“Our survey suggests that a strong majority of employees expect their CEO to demonstrate leadership on important societal issues and a distinct subset of employees want to build support for these issues inside their company,” said William Stewart, president and co-founder of Povaddo. “CEOs and their companies would be well served if they harnessed their employees’ passion on these issues and develop strategies to engage them.”

Povaddo’s survey, U.S. Workforce Social Engagement Barometer, will be released in May and presented in detail at SB ’17 Detroit. Fielded by Research Now among 1,236 participants between April 3–10, the survey was developed to understand and benchmark attitudes of workers across corporate America about social activism and engagement.

Upcoming Events

October 13-16, 2025
SB'25 San Diego
US Event
More Information

Thursday, April 17, 2025
The Future of Scope 3: Mastering Value Chain Sustainability with Insetting
Webinar
Sponsored by ClimeCo
More Information

Thursday, May 8, 2025
The ROI of Sustainability Part 1: What's Changed, What Hasn't and How to Move Forward with Confidence
Webinar
More Information

Related Stories

As the US Renounces the Clean Economy, Smart Companies Can Carry On ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
As the US Renounces the Clean Economy, Smart Companies Can Carry On
Navigating Disruption and Driving Impact with Social Purpose ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Navigating Disruption and Driving Impact with Social Purpose
Becoming Net Positive: The Impetus for Effecting Systemic Change ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Becoming Net Positive: The Impetus for Effecting Systemic Change
Costco Stands Its Ground, Asserts Business Case for DEI ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Costco Stands Its Ground, Asserts Business Case for DEI
Divided Americans Unite in Call for People-First Approach to Business ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Divided Americans Unite in Call for People-First Approach to Business
Tales of ESG's Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Tales of ESG's Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated