EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: EXPLORING NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR TAILORED PROGRAMS IN SEVEN SWISS ORGANIZATIONS – AN INTERVIEW STUDY

Abstract

Aim: This study analyses the challenges and expectations of companies in Switzerland regarding employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. Given the growing importance of sustainable development and the role of companies, the research aims to identify how programmes can promote employee engagement and thus contribute to the achievement of the UN SDGs. Theory: Theoretically it is based on Kotter’s Model of Organizational Change revisited by Appelbaum et al. (2012) and Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow, 1996; 2003). This provides a structured approach to implementing change in organisations, with emphasising the need for individuals to critically question and transform their mind and behaviour to achieve sustainable change. Method: The research uses a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with company representatives. These interviews allow to gain deeper insights into the experiences and perspectives of companies and to identify challenges as well as success factors of existing programmes. Results: The results show that organisations need effective communication strategies and knowledge transfer to motivate and engage employees. It highlights the importance of flexible, adaptable programmes that combine digital and analogue elements to reach a broad audience. The analysis of the interviews suggests that existing programmes often fail in terms of practical implementation as they are not sufficiently tailored to the specific needs of companies.