
As ESG and sustainability continue to reshape industries across the UK, organisations face growing challenges in attracting and retaining the right talent. To understand what drives today’s ESG professionals ESG REC surveyed over 200 candidates from the UK’s sustainability sector who are currently actively seeking new opportunities— ranging from entry-level to senior roles.
The findings reveal what motivates career choices, what makes candidates accept job offers, and how companies can better align their recruitment strategies with talent expectations in this fast-evolving market.
What Drives Career Decisions in ESG?
Salary remains the top motivator for nearly half of respondents — which comes as no surprise in a competitive job market. However, the survey shows a shift towards broader career priorities:
- Flexible working options (remote, hybrid, or part-time) ranked a close second, reflecting the growing importance of work-life balance and autonomy.
- Training and development opportunities featured prominently, especially in specialised ESG areas such as carbon accounting and sustainability reporting.
- Factors such as job titles, equity, and commuting time were generally less influential, particularly among mid-level professionals.

Insight: To attract and retain ESG talent, organisations need to appreciate that a competitive salary on its own is no longer enough. Candidates expect genuine flexibility in working arrangements and clear prospects for professional development. Employers who provide this will be better placed to engage and keep high-quality talent for the long term.
What Makes Candidates Say “Yes” to a Job Offer?
Beyond salary and benefits, the recruitment experience itself strongly influences candidates’ decisions to accept roles:
- Clear and regular communication throughout the process was identified as the most important factor.
- Early opportunities to meet prospective team members helped build trust and connection.
- Candidates valued genuine passion and authenticity from interviewers.
Interestingly, factors like office tours or the physical workplace environment were less significant.

Takeaway: Transparent and people-focused recruitment processes are absolutely essential, particularly within the ESG sector where an organisation’s values and culture carry significant weight.
Candidates want to feel that they are joining a workplace that genuinely lives its sustainability commitments and treats people with respect and openness throughout the hiring journey. Employers who prioritise clear communication, authentic engagement, and a human-centered approach will build stronger trust with candidates and ultimately attract professionals who are truly aligned with their mission and purpose.
Why These Insights Matter for ESG Hiring
Candidates considering ESG roles are looking for more than just a pay cheque; they want to see their prospective employer living the values they promote:
- Flexible working helps reduce commuting emissions, supporting environmental goals.
- Investment in skills and development promotes social sustainability by building a resilient workforce.
- Ethical and transparent hiring reflects strong governance — a core ESG pillar.
Final Thoughts
Attracting and retaining top ESG talent today requires more than offering competitive salaries. Candidates increasingly seek meaningful flexibility, clear opportunities for professional development, and a recruitment experience that reflects transparency and authentic values. Organisations that embed these principles within their hiring strategies will not only gain a competitive advantage but also demonstrate genuine commitment to ESG — aligning people, purpose, and performance.
For hiring managers, this means creating candidate experiences that truly resonate with sustainability-driven professionals and fostering workplace cultures that support growth and well-being. For candidates, it highlights the importance of finding employers who live their ESG values throughout every step of the hiring journey.
Discover how ESG REC can support your ESG recruitment needs, whether you’re hiring the best talent or developing your career in sustainability.
Visit www.esgrec.com today or email us at info@esgrec.com to find out more.