The Impact of Global Sustainability Standards (such as SDGs) on the Human Resource Policies of Multinational Corporations

Abstract

Over the past ten years, sustainability has been the theme of business strategy. This means, particularly for multinational corporations, that through the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, pressing global imperatives-like reduction of poverty, equality, and climate action-came into light. It is on this path that multinational corporations work their way to meet these standards, and human resources are a significant influencer in such transformation. Sustainable HR policy means the commitment to the environment, social responsibility, and economic resilience while meeting the expectations of various stakeholders in terms of accountability and ethics.It is documented that Millennials and Generation Z consider employers with strong commitments to sustainability in talent acquisition and retention. Other sustainable HR practices involve hiring environmentally sensitive candidates, integrating sustainability into the training programs, and inculcating a culture of sustainability. These are bound to enhance morale, retention, and loyalty among employees.Nevertheless, resource constraints, cultural barriers, and different regional regulations set up certain obstacles.Most importantly, change management and open dialogue help to overcome resistances and integrate sustainability into the HRM fields. multinational corporations need to balance between global standards and local contexts when creating a sustainable corporate culture. In the long run, the integration of sustainability in their HR policy will be a gain in reputation and competitiveness for multinational corporations.This study will attempt to provide some practical insights for multinational corporations on how HR can be aligned to meet the goals of sustainability in the path to a sustainable future. These impacts, upon studying, will help an organization negotiate the complicated relationship between sustainability and HR practices with more ease