#FutureWorkDebatte: getting the green light in HR

Munich, 18 July 2023

The green transformation of the German economy is under way. This affects companies’ Human Resources policy and strategy. acatech’s Human Resources Working Group debated the ways and means in relation to this at the #FutureWorkDebatte on 27 June. Frank Riemensperger moderated and Sabine Mlnarsky (CHRO, member of the Board of Managing Directors, Commerzbank AG) hosted, and on the panel were Melanie Kehr (Member of the Executive Board, CIO & COO, KfW), Prof. Dr. Marcus Wagner (Holder of the Chair of Management, Innovation and Sustainable Business at Augsburg University) and Nina Schoenian (Executive Director Organisation, Greenpeace e.V.).

The German economy is undergoing a process of transformation, and many companies have already taken measures to achieve the climate targets and reduce emissions. However, a mere waiver, as has been repeatedly called for, is not enough, the panel agreed. Rather, business models must be completely overhauled. In addition, it is important for companies to do what is possible within their own sphere of influence in relation to climate and environmental protection, pointed out Sabine Mlnarsky. Doing so would show where they stand on the issue, which would have a knock-on effect on the companies’ employees and stakeholders.

Of course, the staff’s mindset also has a part to play. Ultimately, it is not just technologies that will advance the green transformation but, first and foremost, people, said Melanie Kehr, Member of the Executive Board of KfW. In this context, “green HR” means giving employees room to be creative and realise green ideas. But, of course, it is also about recruiting and employing people who have the relevant skills to progress the company’s green transformation. What these skills are must be determined in each individual company’s case.

However, the participants were in agreement that the green transformation is not possible without technological support. The digital transformation and the sustainability transformation have to go hand-in-hand and must be tackled in parallel, said Greenpeace Managing Director Nina Schoenian. In addition, companies must stop fixating on carbon, as this way of thinking is too one-dimensional.

Host and member of the Board of Managing Directors of Commerzbank Sabine Mlnarsky called for companies to take an active approach to the green transformation. It is high time, she said, to act and learn collectively – the time for just talk is over.