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In this edition, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the role of employee engagement in driving sustainability. Too often, we hear about the flashy new tech solutions and ambitious net-zero targets, but let’s face it—none of that matters if your team isn’t on board. To unpack this issue, I had an enlightening conversation with Dietmar Harteveld, a former Siemens executive with decades of experience turning corporate sustainability talk into tangible action.
The Real Driver of Change? It’s Your People
When I asked Dietmar what’s often overlooked in corporate sustainability, he didn’t hesitate: “The biggest untapped resource is always your employees.” It’s easy to get lost in the data, the KPIs, and the boardroom discussions, but if you want real change, you need to start at the ground level. Dietmar stressed that it’s not about pushing top-down initiatives—it’s about empowering employees to take ownership of sustainability in their day-to-day work.
“People drive change, not technology,” Dietmar told me. And he’s right. It’s your employees who will either embrace new sustainability practices or resist them. If they don’t feel genuinely engaged, no amount of fancy tech or ambitious targets will make a difference. “It’s about creating a culture where sustainability isn’t just a corporate checkbox, but a shared belief,” he said.
The Power of Personal Goals
One of Dietmar’s most impactful initiatives at Siemens was encouraging every team member to set their own sustainability goal—no matter how small. This gave employees ownership and connected their individual efforts to the larger company mission. “The strategy can seem too big and distant, but when each person contributes in their own way, it becomes achievable,” he explained.
Consistency is key. Companies must communicate and follow up regularly if they want genuine buy-in. As Dietmar stressed, “If you’re going to allow employees to have a voice, then listen to them consistently—not just when it’s convenient.” He highlighted the importance of setting structured time for sustainability training; for example, dedicating a minimum of 50 hours annually to training on digital technologies and environmental topics keeps knowledge and commitment high.
Engagement Beyond the Boardroom
That said, we can’t overlook leadership buy-in. “You can have all the policies and strategies in the world, but if your leadership isn’t genuinely committed, it’s just lip service,” Dietmar noted. At Siemens, aligning employee engagement with real business goals—not just ticking boxes for ESG reports—was essential for success.
One of Dietmar’s most effective tactics was linking sustainability to personal development. “If employees see how these efforts tie into their growth, they’re more likely to get invested,” he said. This means going beyond mandatory training sessions and integrating sustainability into the company culture.
The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
When it comes to technology’s role in engagement, Dietmar had a nuanced view. While digital tools and data can drive sustainability initiatives forward, they’re only as effective as the people using them. “Without the right culture, even the best technology won’t achieve long-term success,” he warned. In other words, don’t just throw tech at the problem—focus on empowering the people behind it.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As we wrapped up, Dietmar left me with a powerful reminder: “Sustainability isn’t just a department or a project—it’s a mindset that needs to permeate every level of the organisation.” For companies to achieve lasting impact, they need to invest in their people, listen to their voices, and create an environment where sustainability becomes part of everyday conversation.
Your Turn: How Do You Engage Your Team in Sustainability?
If your company is serious about sustainability, consider this: are you treating it like a top-down mandate, or are you making it a core part of your culture? What strategies are you using to engage your employees? In your view, what are the most effective ways for multinational corporations to foster sustainability engagement today?
Thank you for joining me for this edition of Straight Talk Sustainability. If you have thoughts, questions, or insights, drop me a message. Let’s keep this conversation-and the momentum-going.
