The Role of HR Management in Organizational Sustainability

The Role of HR Management in Organizational Sustainability

What is Sustainability

Over the past 50 to 60 years, especially after the Industrial Revolution, many environmental problems have become serious. Rapid industrial growth and urbanization have led to issues like pollution, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. People in both developing and developed countries have felt the effects, impacting their health and quality of life.
 As communities tackle these urgent issues, awareness of the need for sustainable practices has increased. People now understand that our choices today affect future generations. This has made the idea of "sustainability" important for caring for the environment, being socially responsible, and ensuring economic stability.
 According to UCLA Sustainability (2025), using sustainable practices requires a full approach that connects all three areas. Sustainability has three main traits: environmental integrity, social equity, and economic prosperity. Each of these traits is essential for achieving a balanced and sustainable future, ensuring our planet remains healthy for generations to come.

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Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx04Kl8y4dE&t=21s

Environmental sustainability means keeping nature healthy and ensuring that our planet's systems stay balanced as we use resources like air, water, soil, forests, food, safe for animals.

Economic sustainability- The goal for humanity on Earth is to maintain independence and secure employment or resources to meet their needs. Economic systems must be accessible to everyone.

Social sustainability- To ensure everyone’s basic human needs are met, all community members should have enough resources. Strong social systems help create healthy and happy communities that support human rights, including labor rights, access to healthcare, and equality.

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Resource: Arena Solutions, 2025.

How Human Resources Departments Foster Sustainable Improvements

In today’s evolving workplace, Human Resources (HR) departments play a pivotal role in driving sustainable improvements within organizations. By integrating environmentally friendly practices and promoting social responsibility, HR fosters a culture that prioritizes long-term sustainability (Suprayitno, Suprayitno & Supardi, Supardi. (2024)). This involves not only recruiting and retaining talent that aligns with these values but also developing training programs that emphasize sustainability in daily operations. Furthermore, HR departments work to implement policies that support diversity and inclusion, creating a more equitable work environment. Through strategic planning and innovative initiatives, HR is crucial in ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of the organization, ultimately leading to a healthier planet and a more engaged workforce.

Organizations should encourage their employees to adopt sustainable practices, such as implementing zero-carbon concepts, reducing paper usage, promoting shared transportation systems, and establishing recycling initiatives (Schmeichel, 2024). In addition to offering a competitive remuneration package that addresses the cost of living, it is crucial to introduce various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Implementing these strategies can greatly benefit the organization by enhancing sustainability efforts that are currently underway (Lämsä, Anna-Maija; Heikkinen, Suvi; & Pucetaite, Raminta, 2023).

Exploring the Sustainable Practices in Sri Lankan Organizations

As a developing country embracing global interactions, a wide array of organizations—including manufacturers, exporters, and retailers—are actively engaging in international collaborations. These entities are increasingly focused on implementing various sustainability management initiatives, with a strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Through these efforts, they aim to promote ethical practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute positively to the communities they operate in, thereby fostering a more sustainable future.

According to Cargills Ceylon (2025), the company has introduced various projects aimed at contributing to a sustainable Sri Lanka. For example, they have installed solar power systems at selected outlets, with a target capacity of 6MW, aiming to reduce 63000kg of CO2 emissions annually through the use of solar energy. Additionally, they are managing a system for the responsible disposal of waste cooking oil and are actively working to minimize both plastic and paper usage. These are examples of the importance of sustainable management practices progressing in Sri Lanka

the Human Resources department is crucial in ensuring that these elements are effectively aligned and managed. This responsibility includes overseeing the implementation of policies and procedures that facilitate a well-coordinated approach, thereby ensuring that operational standards are consistently met.

 

Conclusion

Sustainability is a critical concept that has evolved over the past several decades, driven by the increasing awareness of environmental, social, and economic challenges. As the world faces pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, adopting sustainable practices has become essential for ensuring a balanced and healthy future for generations to come. The integration of sustainability into business practices, particularly through Human Resources (HR), plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and driving long-term growth. HR departments are uniquely positioned to promote sustainable practices by fostering talent that aligns with sustainability values, implementing policies that encourage social equity, and creating a work environment that supports environmental responsibility. Even though sustainability, highlights the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethical business practices. Ultimately, the collective efforts of individuals, businesses, and governments are necessary to build a sustainable future that supports economic prosperity, environmental health, and social well-being.

References

UCLA Sustainability, 2025. What is Sustainability? [online] Available at: https://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainability/ [Accessed 16 March 2025].

Arena Solutions, 2025. Sustainable Development Definition. [online] Available at: https://www.arenasolutions.com/resources/glossary/sustainable-development/ [Accessed 16 March 2025]

Suprayitno, Suprayitno & Supardi, Supardi. (2024). HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH. 2. 1674-1687.