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ESG conference highlights strategies for building sustainable workforces

A conference discussing measures to build sustainable workforces in implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) among businesses was held in Hanoi on October 30.

The conference, The Sustainable Workforce, the Heart of S in ESG?, is part of a series of activities within the Vietnam ESG Forum 2024, which is organised by Dantri/DTiNews Newspaper.

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The conference, The Sustainable Workforce, the Heart of S in ESG?, is held in Hanoi on October 30 (Photo by Manh Quan)

The event saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha; Ha Minh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; Dau Anh Tuan, the Vice Secretary-General cum Director of the Legal Department of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI); Ingrid Christensen, Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Vietnam, Editor-in-chief of Dantri/DTiNews Newspaper Pham Tuan Anh along with representatives from management agencies and businesses as well as senior experts in human resource management.

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Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha at the conference (Photo by Manh Quan)

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Editor-in-chief of Dantri/DTiNews Newspaper Pham Tuan Anh speaks at the conference (Photo by Manh Quan)

At the conference, participants focused on discussing the role of human resources in businesses, ESG implementation, and measures to build a happy working environment that meets ESG standards.

Employees are the most valuable asset for sustainable business growth

At the conference, Dr Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation and Vingroup's For a Green Future Foundation, said that the core of the "S" in ESG relates to social responsibility, sustainable human resources, and ensuring welfare, happiness, and occupational safety. She further stated that employees are the most valuable asset for the sustainable development of businesses.

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Dr Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation and Vingroup's For a Green Future Foundation (Photo by manh Quan)

Businesses need to concentrate on flexible welfare and mental support to help ensure a work-life balance for their employees. They must also assess employee satisfaction and engagement through surveys before and after welfare programmes.

According to Ha, many firms worldwide are conducting training programmes for employees of different ages. They are fostering a multi-generational working environment where individuals of all ages can harmonise. Specifically, experienced workers take on management roles, while younger employees with technological skills provide support in return. If enterprises still believe that hiring individuals with disabilities incurs additional costs, they are not truly adhering to ESG principles.

Tran Thi Thuy Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Deloitte Vietnam, echoed Ha's sentiments, saying that a corporate culture that values employee happiness and personal development will strengthen engagement and work effectiveness.

Ngoc advocated for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work with adjustable hours, to help employees balance their professional and personal lives while enhancing their health and productivity.

High salaries alone are not strong enough to retain employees

Ingrid Christensen, Director of the International Labour Organisation in Vietnam, affirmed that salaries and bonuses are significant for employees worldwide. However, solely focusing on these factors will not be sufficient to keep them. For example, women having small children need money, understanding, and sympathy. Therefore, businesses should apply a flexible and friendly working environment.

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Ingrid Christensen, Director of the International Labour Organisation in Vietnam (Photo by Manh Quan)

According to Christensen, businesses must consider younger people, women, and vulnerable groups in society.

Pham Van Viet, chairman of Viet Thang Jeans Ltd. Co., said that establishing and implementing sustainable commitments regarding ESG helps businesses promote their image and competitiveness and attract highly qualified employees.

In the textile sector, where the workforce is large and diverse, salary is no longer the primary factor in retaining talent. Instead, Viet noted that the primary factor is the values employees receive, such as fairness, transparency, and flexibility.

All businesses can be sustainable when it comes to ESG

According to Dau Anh Tuan, the Vice Secretary-General cum Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Legal Department, all businesses have their own ways of caring for their employees, not just big ones.

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Dau Anh Tuan, the Vice Secretary-General cum Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Legal Department (Photo by Manh Quan)

"I visited a medium-sized confectionery factory in Binh Duong, I saw that they displayed photographs honouring senior workers. Respecting workers is an aspect of their culture. At another factory in Tra Vinh, the canteen for workers is always clean and regarded as the most comfortable area in the company," Tuan said.

Chaturon Thipphiansak, Deputy General Director of Thailand's SCG Ltd. Co. in Vietnam, said his firm has a board that specialises in promoting a happy working environment.

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Chaturon Thipphiansak, Deputy General Director of Thailand's SCG Ltd. Co. in Vietnam (Left) (Photo by Thanh Dong)

"Practicing ESG will not succeed without establishing a happy working environment that nurtures corporate culture. When this goal is carried out, each employee will be motivated to conform to the company regulations," he highlighted.