Is the dream job the one that offers the highest salary? Not anymore. Today, sustainability and inclusion are what matter most. Redefining the standards of professional aspirations are the new generations, who are looking not so much (or not only) for remunerative roles, but ones that can have an environmental and social impact. This trend is also felt in Italy in various sectors, from renewable energy to fashion.
The Rise of Sustainable Jobs
The sector most closely linked to sustainability is, by definition, that of renewable energy, which in recent years has seen a real explosion, generating new job opportunities and creating new professions, which also operate outside of their own context.
Alongside industry experts with vertical specializations in energy sources other than fossil fuels (photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, biomass, etc.), hybrid professional roles are beginning to emerge, such as sustainability consultants and circular economy experts. These professionals, trained in sustainable development, environmental technologies, and sustainable engineering, are called upon to interact with multidisciplinary teams to promote the adoption of eco-friendly practices across all production sectors.
In Italy, a particularly representative sector, from this point of view, is fashion, which has always brought the prestige of Made in Italy, Italian creativity and elegance to the world. It is no coincidence, as a survey by Jobseeker.com, the fashion industry continues to be one of the most attractive 'dream jobs' globally. But not separated from the focus on sustainability and the environment.
This was confirmed by the Venice Sustainable Fashion Forum, which took place in October with the participation of around 350 industry leaders. This year's theme and speakers – Leading Re-Generation – leave little doubt about the direction to take: it is necessary to “rethink the sector from the perspective of innovation and circularity, involving every actor in the supply chain and facing the sustainability challenges that can no longer be ignored”, it was said at the opening of the proceedings [1].
The main career drivers? Diversity and inclusion
But it is not only sustainability that guides the career choices of the younger generations. Today, another fundamental driver is inclusion and diversity. Corporate culture is no longer measured exclusively by economic results, but by the degree of openness and support towards minorities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: in the world…
Unmistakable signs of this paradigm shift come from the Best Workplaces for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ranking, which examined 288 companies, based in every part of the world, and interviewed more than 127.000 collaborators [2].
According to the data obtained from the survey, the number of companies committed to monitoring the internal working climate and improving the experience of their employees is slowly but steadily growing. Several companies carry out projects specifically dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and in some cases they have ad hoc professional figures, such as the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) consultant.
This professional specializes in helping organizations develop and implement strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. The goal is to create more inclusive work environments, improve hiring practices, and ensure that company policies translate into a concrete commitment to this goal.
Returning to the global ranking, 20 companies have been awarded. Of these, 10 are Italian.
…and in Italy (with an exemplary case)
The need to pay attention to these issues is also highlighted by various national observers, such as a recent survey by Assocosultant - Association of Management Consulting Companies in Italy [3].
According to this survey, 73% of respondents – which includes employees and consultants (74%), private companies and clients (42%), shareholders (29%), public administration (24%) and credit institutions (9%) – believe it is essential for companies to seriously address issues of diversity and inclusion.
And here we can only return to the fashion world. An exemplary case of openness to diversity was the contribution of Alessandro Michele, who as creative director of Gucci made the famous brand a global symbol of inclusion and innovation.
Through collections that challenged traditional norms of gender, age and identity, Michele demonstrated how fashion can become a powerful tool for dialogue and social change, celebrating diversity in all its facets.
The Future of Dream Jobs in Italy
Global trends promoting sustainability and inclusion are already underway and will increasingly influence the collective perception of the ‘dream job’.
Emerging industries, like the entire supply chain linked to sustainable technologies and energy sources, are already born with this imprinting. The more traditional ones, to keep up, are investing significantly in good practices on both fronts. Only in this way will they be able to remain competitive and attract new talent.
This direction, moreover, had been clearly highlighted by the United Nations Agenda 2030. Signed in 2015 by the UN General Assembly, that is, by the governments of the 193 member countries, the agenda is divided into 17 objectives for sustainable development (SDG, Sustainable Development Goals).
These objectives, all interconnected, are based on a series of common pillars – including inclusion and sustainability – and evidently represent a guiding light that Italian companies are also starting to follow in a programmatic way.
In an increasingly competitive job market, committing to translate these principles into concrete good practices has become a key factor: to attract motivated young professionals, and thus ensure growth and generational turnover.
To conclude
Around the world, including in Italy, the definition of 'dream job' is changing.
The new generations seem much less willing to compromise personal and collective well-being, increasingly careful to select roles and companies concretely committed to the dual front of sustainability and inclusion.
To meet this need, companies are gradually questioning the status quo. Ergo: the positive impact on the environment and society is the true future of professional success.
Sources:
[1] https://www.vogue.it/article/venice-sustainable-fashion-2024
[2] https://lab24.ilsole24ore.com/best-workplaces-diversity-equity-inclusion/#
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