Tips for getting started with ESG comms
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) goes to the very heart of a business’s mission, structure and behaviours. However, communicating about this topic can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to get started.
Here are four tips to get you on your way.
1. Pool expertise and include a range of voices
Involve your own people. They will have a multitude of fresh and varied perspectives. And not doing so risks alienating them from some of the more significant changes an ESG agenda may involve.
Depending on the size and nature of your organization, consider creating a working group including senior leaders, operations, HR and comms. Each person will have a unique perspective.
2. Conduct a thorough audit of your business
A continuous audit process will help you identify the story and messaging that rings true for your business. It can also help you to identify the most authentic content.
The nature of this audit will vary hugely depending on your organization, but whatever industry you are in, this must be holistic and underpinned by a commitment to transparency. As it is vital to ensure all stories/messaging are credible and watertight before putting it out into the public domain.
3. Tie the components together
When you’re carrying out ESG auditing activity or seeking accreditation, activities fit within certain categories. But for communications, both internal and external, highlighting how they impact each other will help make your policies or actions come alive.
For example, you might identify a need for more diverse voices at the board level. These are primarily governance changes but can have a profound social impact.
4. Leverage what you already have
Communicating your ESG strategies doesn’t require any new tools or channels. Your owned channels (website, social media accounts, etc.) should be the first port of call for clear and transparent information on your ESG practices.
In addition, if you produce an annual report focused on financial performance, use that. If not already a requirement, why not produce an ESG report to support transparency and keep you accountable year on year?
💡In brief, don’t be put off by the difficulties of communicating on ESG. Engaging is crucial, as is transparency and finding the issues that matter to your company, your employees and your stakeholders. With ESG issues gaining momentum day by day, there’s not a moment to lose.
And engage your comms experts to help identify opportunities and see where the stories are, as well as which channels are most appropriate for what content.
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