A recent survey conducted by Navigator Business Consulting has identified Rossmann and Allegro as the leaders in the ‘ESG perception’ index, reflecting public sentiment regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. The survey revealed that sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, wholesale, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) received positive evaluations from over half of the respondents.
In contrast, the mining, oil, and gas sectors were among the least favorably perceived in terms of sustainability and governance practices. The survey highlighted that 58% of participants deemed employee well-being as the most critical aspect of ESG, followed by strict compliance with laws and regulations (55%), and maintaining high ethical standards (41%).
“Trust in companies increasingly hinges on their actions concerning people and the environment,” said Jacek Szwarc, ESG expert at Navigator Business Consulting. “Organizations must prioritize employee well-being and foster a culture that promotes ethical behavior. This approach is essential for building loyalty among customers and business partners, and it serves as a strategic business imperative.”
The index ranked companies based on public perception, with Rossmann achieving an index value of 60.3%, followed closely by Allegro at 59.8%. Other notable leaders included State Forests, which scored 58.9%.
When evaluating companies, respondents cited sustainability certificates (43%) and online reviews (38%) as their primary sources of information. However, nearly 20% admitted to not verifying the information available to them. The survey also indicated that 46% of respondents frequently consider product packaging and promotional materials to assess a company’s environmental and social impact, a trend particularly strong among women (48%), individuals over 40 years old (47%), and those with higher education (51%).
The study further revealed generational differences in attitudes towards ESG. While 53% of respondents over 40 years valued environmental initiatives, only 25% of those under 40 felt the same. Conversely, younger respondents prioritized honest communication with stakeholders (36%) and engagement in social projects (22%) more than their older counterparts.
The survey included 100 of Poland’s largest companies, selected from the XXV edition of “Rzeczpospolita’s” Listy 500. The representative sample consisted of 3,016 participants, with the study conducted online between April and May 2024. The survey evaluated public opinion on nine aspects related to sustainable development and ESG practices.
Source: Navigator Business Consulting and ISBnews
