Eco-anxiety: A Growing Threat to Employee Productivity and Well-being
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Eco-anxiety: A Growing Threat to Employee Productivity and Well-being

/ Report

Eco-anxiety—anxiety about the climate and environment—is a growing phenomenon affecting not only young people but workers of all ages. This report summarizes the key takeaways from discussions and interviews with senior executives, as well as findings from a survey of workers exploring eco-anxiety and their expectations of employers.

Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™ 

Eco-anxiety—anxiety about the climate and environment—is a growing phenomenon affecting not only young people but workers of all ages. This report summarizes the key takeaways from discussions and interviews with senior executives, as well as findings from a survey of workers exploring eco-anxiety and their expectations of employers.

Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™ 

  • Eco  -anxiety is increasingly prevalent across all working age groups and presents a growing risk to employee well-being. Some 43% of survey respondents say they experience eco-anxiety often or almost always. Reported impacts of eco-anxiety include a sense of powerlessness, work demotivation, and lost focus. Businesses that listen and respond to their employees’ concerns can mitigate risk and enhance employee wellbeing, resilience, and productivity.
  • In response to eco-anxiety, individuals are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their personal lives and are seeking proactive leadership from their employers. An important part of this leadership is greater awareness of the issue—52% of respondents think that their employer is unaware of eco-anxiety as a workplace issue. Some 60% wants employers to do more to address the causes of eco-anxiety. Actions supported by respondents include companies setting stretch environmental targets, lobbying governments, and helping employees to take collective measures for the environment.
  • An integrated approach can help companies address eco-anxiety among their workforces. A cross-functional approach can break down barriers between well-being, ESG teams, and stakeholders in Talent and Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DEI). This collaboration facilitates coordinated interventions that address eco-anxiety and promote well-being—two crucial aspects of talent retention and sustainable business success. 

Practical Next Steps 

Addressing employees’ concerns about eco-anxiety can enhance a company’s employee value proposition and contribute to improved sustainability performance. Companies can begin by:

Authors

Alison Maitland

Alison Maitland Alison Maitland

Senior Fellow, Human Capital
The Conference Board

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Marion Devine

Marion Devine Marion Devine

Principal Researcher, Human Capital, Europe
The Conference Board

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