Thriving People

Members are contributing to a just transition and acting on the most material issues facing society.

Our vision

The best businesses are good for people, the planet, and prosperity. This requires businesses to support
the well-being of their employees and to positively impact their communities and broader society.

Our society and economy are facing a number of challenges – from the ongoing economic impacts of Covid-19, to growing inequality and the cost of living. These challenges are compounded by our transition towards a zero-carbon economy and the impacts of climate change which will necessitate further change and adaptation.

We support members to understand the social and economic changes underway in society, particularly
as they relate to decarbonising the economy and the impacts of climate change. We encourage members to prioritise a focus on a just transition to a zero-carbon and climate-resilient future.

We also provide members access to insight into the latest thinking with respect to social sustainability, and a platform for collaborative action, to enable them to positively contribute to a better New Zealand.

What is a Just Transition?

Our members have a shared vision that puts people at the heart of what we do, so that business and communities thrive in this rapidly changing world.

We have set an ambition for a thriving world of work that is inclusive and sustainable. We want people to thrive – personally, professionally, and as active members of society. The principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are integral to this, as is business fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring no one is left behind, including in accessing learning and development opportunities.

We work to provide solutions that support business to ensure that they remain in tune with the needs, goals, and aspirations of society against the backdrop of this rapidly evolving landscape. We showcase leadership, collaborate where shared ambition exists, and empower members to take strategic approaches to shape our changing society and economy.

We recognise that the government’s policy decisions will affect the demand for, and nature of, work. We work with BusinessNZ and government to ensure policy settings enable our members to bring their communities and people with them as we transition towards a fair and equitable zero carbon economy.

Work programme

Future of Work

Building adaptive skills, workforces and ways of working. Learn more about SBC’s Future Skills ecosystem here.

Lifting Living Standards

Lifting Aotearoa’s living standards around living wage, pay parity and parental leave.

Moving Beyond Diversity

Design-thinking to develop scalable workplace initiatives that foster a sense of belonging. 

Thriving People, Thriving Voices

Bringing the focus to critical social sustainability issues and emerging trends. Learn more here.

Robert has over 20 years’ experience providing strategic leadership on critical sustainability issues and their solutions in business, consultancy and public sector organisations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

021477510
rperry@businessnz.org.nz

Robert Perry

Manager, Thriving People

Pages and resources

Updates on THRIVE – SBC’s Future Work ecosystem

Updates on THRIVE – SBC’s Future Work ecosystem

By Robert Perry, Manager Thriving People July 2023 I am excited to share with you the progress that has been ...
It’s time we strengthen the ‘S’ in ESG 

It’s time we strengthen the ‘S’ in ESG 

By Robert Perry (Manager Thriving People)   We’re all familiar with Aotearoa New Zealand’s net zero ...
Making sense of mental wellbeing at work – thoughts from Robert Perry

Making sense of mental wellbeing at work – thoughts from Robert Perry

SBC recently hosted a Spotlight Series webinar which started a very important conversation around ...
2023 Insights on New Zealand Sustainability Professionals survey launches

2023 Insights on New Zealand Sustainability Professionals survey launches

Oxygen Consulting, in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the Sustainable Business Council ...
Downer: Social Purpose and a Just Transition

Downer: Social Purpose and a Just Transition

In this Member Story, Downer puts the spotlight on social purpose, and how ensuring a Just Transition is a ...
Moving beyond diversity: Spotlight on youth employment

Moving beyond diversity: Spotlight on youth employment

It was incredibly inspiring to hear from Downer and SkyCity in our recent Moving beyond Diversity hui (focussed on ...
Thriving People Thriving Voices

Thriving People Thriving Voices

SBC’s Thriving People team Robert Perry and Megan Gallagher have been working with SBC members to showcase the ...
Just Transitions

Just Transitions

Ensuring our transition to a low emissions, climate resilient future is fair and inclusive, with equity and ...
Moving Beyond Diversity

Moving Beyond Diversity

Supporting a fair, equitable and inclusive transition to a low emissions, climate resilient economy means ...