Employee Engagement and Sustainability

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The first talk in the new year 2019, organized  by NIPM Karnataka Chapter on 11th January  was on the topic  "Employee engagement and sustainability" at Hotel Capitol Bangalore, The speaker was Dr Michael Nobel, Executive Chairman of the Nobel sustainability trust . He is the great-grandson of the renowned industrialist and humanitarian Ludvig Nobel (Elder brother of Alfred Nobel). Given the importance of the topic and the eminence of the speaker, the session was jam packed with many past chairmen and office bearers of the professional body marking their presence. Dr Nobel was accompanied by the chief operating officer of the Nobel sustainability trust Ms Stina Nordlander who also shared her thoughts on the occasion.

Professor K.B Akhilesh  Senior Professor, Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore introduced the speaker. While traditionally, Nobel prize, recognizes and  awards Outstanding contributions for humanity in chemistry, literature, peace, physics, physiology or medicine, and economic sciences, the £100 million Nobel Sustainability Growth Fund, spearheaded by Dr Michael Nobel, (in partnership with Sustainable Technology Investors Ltd (STIL)), focuses on resource efficiency, clean energy and sustainable technology. Prosperous organizations can plough back part of its profits  for the welfare of  society.  Professor Akhilesh said, to that extent , Dr Nobel  subscribes to the unique maxim " Sustainability equals prosperity." Dr Michael Nobel is presently chairman or board member of six international companies in medical diagnostics, treatment and information and in five non-for-profit organizations

In his talk, Dr Nobel explained the objective of the Nobel Sustainability Trust viz. financing clean technology innovation projects. The activities of the trust include giving (a) Award for Sustainability; (b) four diplomas of excellence to runner-up candidates; (c) scholarships to two young researchers in the field of renewable technology; and (d)  annual symposiums or conferences on the subject of sustainability. He said that implementation was the key and that the Nobel award is given also for implementation. Although 185 countries have signed the agreement for environment sustainability, 50% of them have hardly done anything on the ground. The speaker called attention to the huge threat to the planet Earth.In ten years time huge storms are expected to occur in Sweden, rising sea water levels and other catastrophes. The air quality in Beijing is poor and not fit for human breathing. Similar  situations have been reported in respect of New Delhi and other cities. 

The speaker said that the entire initiative was geared with the future in mind. He has been visiting countries all over the world with the purpose of ensuring impact investing. It is not just about financial commitment. Focus is on helping to identify supportive organizations that wish to leave a heritage behind for mankind unlike the American way of leaving huge inheritance for one's immediate family. This is the reason that the Award recognizes local organizations instrumental in making change and also young researchers who will see the benefits of the change in their lifetime. The aim is also to develop the best scholastic centers fully equipped for studying  the gamut of sustainability. Presently, all the assessment for the award is done by the university of Oxford,U.K. 

Ms Stina Nordlander, Chief operating officer of the Nobel sustainability trust spoke briefly  about her journey from being a beauty queen (Miss Sweden 2015) to a job that seeks to make a difference to the world. She said that after the initial euphoria of being in the world of glamour, she felt a need to do something more. She therefore decided to join the Noble sustainability trust, moving from her home town in north Sweden, 700 Kms away to Stockholm. Ms Stina  initially joined in a junior position and worked her way up to the present role. Ensuring a smooth running of the organisation, her responsibilities include managing logistics, administrative support, office management and project management. She  also manages the calendar and operations of the chairman. Ms Stina said that during her visit to India, she thoroughly enjoyed speaking to and interacting with 300 women students of Sona College of Technology in Salem, Tamil Nadu on the subject of "women empowerment" and her own experience in the journey. 

Question- answer session   

• What are the steps companies can take for employee engagement and sustainability?   

Answer: It is important to establish cooperation between the Government, educational institutions and the industry to ensure that  concerted efforts are made in the area of sustainability. The academic institutions can come up with solutions for implementation by the companies and the Government. There is no point in having inventions that remain on the shelves. Corporations need to educate employees on the correct practices, offer incentives for appropriate behaviour and punishment for breach.

 It is like 'wearing seat belt' or 'No smoking' in non smoking zones. It is mandatory and not optional. In Norway, in order to encourage use of electric cars for a pollution free environment, the Government offers number of incentives that include free parking. As a result 20% of the population use electric cars.    

• What are the features of Sweden's world class work culture?  

Answer: To my mind, a very important requisite of business is "Respecting your agreements". Once you have agreed and shaken hands, there cannot be going back on price and other basic terms of agreement. In some countries, this basic requirement of staying on course without re-negotiations, tends to be breached, Impartiality, persistence and trustworthiness are important features of a good work culture.

• It is observed that there is high quality of life in Scandinavian countries like Sweden in terms of sustainability. What can be done to bridge the gap between these countries and the less developed countries?  

Answer :  Steps can be taken to reduce pollution. More use of public transport facilities and use of cycles as a means of movement would go a long way in bridging the gap. Throwing of garbage on the road needs to be avoided. 

• Question addressed particularly to Ms Stina: As a person who has tasted success at a very young age, what advice /tips would you like to give women to be successful?  

Answer: "Believing in yourself" is the key. My mother always told me "You can do it" and supported me in what ever activities I took up whether joining the Miss Sweden contest or taking up the job with Nobel trust. Belief and perseverance will lead you to success. 

Dr Nobel added: Women have to believe in themselves and get out of the 'we have no role to play' syndrome. In Sweden women can choose to be the 'bread winner' and the spouse can take the role of 'stay at home husband'. The husbands go on a sabbatical and can join back for work at any time when the child is old enough to manage without parental supervision.  

With that the formal part of a very informative and engaging session came to an end. However, it was entertainment time for us audience when the guests from abroad were honoured in our traditional manner with the famous Mysore peta (Classical royal Indian attire worn by Wodeyars, the erstwhile Kings of Mysore) being placed on their heads.It looked grand and at the same time funny to see our distinguished guests in an attire so unfamiliar to them! Professor K.B. Akhilesh, Sr Professor, IISC was similarly honoured in recognition of a high civilian honour that he had recently received from the Government of Philippines.  

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