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Time Business News
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How HR Drives Workplace Sustainability
In today's corporate landscape, sustainability has evolved from a strategic initiative to a business imperative. As enterprises confront the dual challenge of meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while navigating a rapidly evolving talent landscape. On the other hand, the role of HR leaders in driving workplace sustainability has never been more critical. From shaping eco-conscious policies to fostering an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, HR is at the heart of an organization's sustainable journey. A 2023 study by Deloitte reveals that 75% of employees expect their employers to take a public stand on sustainability and climate change, while 65% say they would be more loyal to companies that actively engage in sustainable practices. Furthermore, McKinsey reports that organizations with strong ESG propositions can achieve up to 10% better talent retention and are 20% more likely to outperform competitors on long-term profitability. Sustainable workplaces are not solely defined by energy-efficient buildings or green supply chains—they are equally characterized by inclusive recruitment processes, ethical labor practices, digital upskilling, and mental well-being programs. HR leaders are uniquely positioned to design strategies that align employee values with environmental and social objectives, creating a lasting impact on both the workforce and the world. As we explore how HR can lead this charge toward sustainability, it's important to understand the practical steps enterprises can take to foster a responsible workplace culture. Sustainable recruitment goes beyond filling roles; it involves creating a hiring process that is ethical, inclusive, and mindful of environmental impact. HR can start by adopting digital recruitment solutions to eliminate paper usage, conducting virtual interviews to reduce travel emissions, and choosing the right candidate screening solutions. Such essential upgrades will improve the hiring process through automation. Also, it will help recruiters by delivering highly efficient and accurate parsed candidate data. Vendors that align with the organization's sustainability values. Additionally, embedding environmental and social responsibility into job descriptions, employer branding, and candidate assessments can attract talent that aligns with the organization's long-term goals. According to IBM's 2023 Institute for Business Value report, 67% of job seekers are more likely to apply to companies that are committed to sustainability. Green recruiting also includes assessing the carbon footprint of recruitment events and replacing large in-person career fairs with virtual alternatives that are more eco-conscious and inclusive. Offering flexible work options not only enhances employee satisfaction but also significantly reduces environmental impact. Remote and hybrid setups reduce commuting, which directly lowers an organization's carbon emissions. A report from IEA shows that working from home even one day a week can cut an individual's emissions by up to 24%. HR teams can support this by formalizing remote work policies, offering guidelines for sustainable home office setups, and tracking associated environmental benefits as part of ESG disclosures. Enterprises should adapt their workforce planning to include sustainability roles and green skill sets. HR can actively seek talent experienced in ESG reporting, circular economy practices, or clean technologies. Building partnerships with universities offering environmental studies or sustainability certifications can help develop a future-ready pipeline. The LinkedIn Global Green Skills Report highlights that demand for green talent has grown by 38% over the past five years. By aligning recruitment strategies with this trend, companies not only future-proof their workforce but also support global sustainability goals. To embed sustainability into the corporate culture, employees must be equipped with the right knowledge. HR can introduce training programs focused on ESG frameworks, ethical business practices, carbon literacy, and industry-specific sustainability regulations. These initiatives help employees understand their role in the broader impact strategy. Organizations that invest in this type of training are shown to outperform peers in ESG compliance and employee retention, according to Gartner's 2023 HR Sustainability Trends report DEI is a foundational component of any sustainable workplace. HR can foster an inclusive environment by: Using structured interviews and bias-reducing tools Creating mentorship programs for underrepresented groups Publishing transparent DEI metrics These efforts not only promote fairness but also drive innovation. There are many AI-powered solutions that remove personal information such as name, gender, nationality, and more from resumes. Allowing hiring managers to focus solely on what matters—qualifications, experience, and potential. Sustainability also applies to how organizations care for their people. HR can ensure long-term workforce resilience by offering programs that support physical, emotional, and mental health. These include: Burnout prevention policies Access to therapists and mental health days Wellness apps and fitness reimbursements According to a Deloitte survey, 77% of employees have experienced burnout at their current jobs. Proactive well-being strategies contribute to higher engagement and lower turnover—both of which support a sustainable business model. To drive accountability, HR must ensure sustainability is tied to how performance is measured and rewarded. ESG-related objectives—like reducing paper usage, improving workforce diversity, or increasing employee engagement—can be incorporated into annual goals. Incentivizing leaders and teams based on their sustainability contributions helps embed these values across all levels of the organization. A PwC study found that companies that link executive compensation to ESG outcomes report better progress on sustainability goals. Sustainability is no longer confined to boardroom strategies or environmental audits; it now lives in the everyday experiences of employees, and HR is uniquely positioned to shape those experiences. Whether it's rethinking recruitment to prioritize ethical practices, supporting hybrid work to reduce environmental impact, or embedding ESG into training and rewards, HR leaders hold the levers to drive lasting change. By aligning people strategy with sustainability objectives, HR departments can significantly contribute to organizational performance and global responsibility. An environmentally aware, socially inclusive, and ethically governed workplace is not just better for the planet—it's more attractive to talent, resilient in uncertain markets, and aligned with the expectations of today's socially conscious workforce. As stakeholders—from investors to employees—demand greater transparency and purpose-driven leadership, HR has the opportunity to lead this transformation not just as a support function but as a strategic enabler of sustainable growth. Ultimately, the path to a greener, fairer, and more future-ready workplace begins with people—and it's HR that guides that journey. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IBM study: Indian CEOs double down on AI investments to drive long-term innovation
74% of surveyed CEOs say more budget flexibility is needed to capitalize on digital opportunities that drive long-term growth and innovation64% of surveyed CEOs strongly agree that their organization is realizing value from GenAI investments beyond cost reduction A new global study by the IBM (NYSE: IBM ) Institute for Business Value suggests that surveyed Indian CEOs are open to investing in digital opportunities that drive long term growth and innovation but need more budget flexibility to do so. They also cite lack of expertise and knowledge as a top barrier to innovation in their organization. The study also points to Indian CEOs investing in AI with purpose and having clear metrics to measure innovation ROI. The annual IBM CEO study , which surveyed 2,000 CEOs globally, revealed that executive respondents expect the growth rate of AI investments to more than double in the next two years. In India, 51% of surveyed CEOs confirm they are actively adopting AI agents today and preparing to implement them at scale. According to the findings, in India 58% of surveyed CEOs identify integrated enterprise-wide data architecture as critical for cross-functional collaboration, and 71% view their organization's proprietary data as key to unlocking the value of generative AI . However, the research indicates organizations may be struggling to cultivate an effective data environment: 53% of respondents acknowledge that the pace of recent investments has left their organization with disconnected, piecemeal technology. 'Indian CEOs are at the forefront of a massive transformation fuelled by technological advancements like generative AI and Agentic AI. It is no longer if they should adopt AI but where it can deliver the strongest competitive edge, and accelerated growth,' said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. 'To lead in this era, CEOs must see disruption as opportunity, focusing on tangible business outcomes while navigating constant change. At IBM, we're helping Indian enterprises scale AI responsibly and drive seamless AI adoption for long-term growth,' he added. Highlights for India from the IBM CEO Study include: Less Than a Third of AI Initiatives Met ROI Expectations, But Indian CEOs Stay Committed Surveyed CEOs report that only 25% of AI initiatives have delivered expected ROI over the last few years, and only 15% have scaled enterprise wide. To accelerate progress, 62% of CEO respondents say their organization is leaning into AI use cases based on ROI, with 66% reporting that their organization has clear metrics to measure innovation ROI effectively.64% of CEO respondents say their organization is realizing value from generative AI investments beyond cost reduction.69% of CEOs surveyed acknowledge that the risk of falling behind drives investment in some technologies before they have a clear understanding of the value they bring to the organization, but only 39% say it's better to be 'fast and wrong' than 'right and slow' when it comes to technology adoption. 44% of surveyed CEOs admit their organization struggles to balance funding for existing operations and investment in innovation when unexpected change occurs, as 74% of say more budget flexibility is needed to capitalize on digital opportunities that drive long-term growth and 2027, 84% of surveyed CEOs expect their investments in scaled AI efficiency and cost savings to have returned a positive ROI, while 78% expect to see a positive return from their investments in scaled AI growth and expansion. Indian CEOs Prioritize Strategic Leadership and AI Talent to Unlock Future Growth 67% of CEO respondents say their organization's success is directly tied to maintaining a broad group of leaders with a deep understanding of strategy and the authority to make critical decisions.61% of CEOs surveyed say that differentiation depends on having the right expertise in the right positions with the right cite lack of clear innovation strategy, aversion to risk and disruption, and lack of expertise and knowledge as top barriers to innovation in their organization.68% of CEOs say their organization will use automation to address skill gaps.54% of CEO respondents say they are hiring for roles related to AI that did not exist a year ago.
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
IBM Study: Profit-Driven CMOs See AI as Growth Driver, but Operational Hurdles Slow Them Down
54% of surveyed executives underestimated the operational complexity of translating AI strategies into outcomes. Only 22% of surveyed organizations have established clear guidelines and guardrails for the use of AI in automated decision-making. 64% of CMO respondents are now responsible for profitability, with 58% accountable for revenue growth. ARMONK, N.Y., June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- A new global study by the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value reveals that surveyed CMOs widely acknowledge the strategic importance of AI, but face an execution gap – largely due to fragmented systems – as they adapt to a significant role shift. The global study * of 1,800 marketing and sales executives found that while 81% of CMO respondents view AI as a game-changer, 84% report that challenges with rigid, fragmented operations limit their ability to effectively harness the technology. More than half (54%) of respondents admit they underestimated the operational complexity of translating AI strategies into tangible outcomes, and only 17% feel prepared to integrate agentic AI into their processes. According to the study, only 23% of surveyed CMOs feel employees are prepared for the cultural and operational shifts brought by AI agents, and 67% of respondents see reshaping culture for emerging technology as their responsibility. With 64% of surveyed CMOs now responsible for profitability and 58% accountable for revenue growth, the research underscores the need for greater technology integration and improved cross-functional collaboration to drive business performance. In fact, respondents who report internal collaboration challenges experienced slightly lower (12%) revenue growth in 2024 versus their higher performing peers (13%) – a seemingly modest 1-point gap that could represent $140M in potential upside for an average $14B revenue base. "The companies that will dominate the next decade are the ones with the deepest AI integrations. This means starting with AI at the core of the organization and building the right operating model and team on top of that," said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, IBM."For many CMOs, this means being willing to admit that our current marketing model—no matter how comfortable, how familiar, or how challenging to replace—is not delivering what is needed and actively sabotaging our future." Other key findings include: As CMOs embrace AI strategies, they may be unprepared to deliver results 65% agree AI-literate talent is critical for achieving high priority objectives, yet only 21% of respondents believe they have the talent needed to achieve their goals for the next two years. 22% of surveyed organizations have established clear guidelines and guardrails for the use of AI in automated decision-making, which means roughly 8 out of 10 have work to do to guide employees through a major shift in ways of working. 62% of respondents say the pace of change creates tensions between demand and operations functions. Just under a quarter (24%) of respondents say they have technology platforms supporting consistent cross-functional collaboration, and just 44% have integrated systems for demand planning and fulfillment. 69% of surveyed CMOs acknowledge that new privacy regulations will require them to rethink their data strategy. Operational silos and fragmented technology may be hindering performance Only 28% of surveyed organizations report that the end-to-end customer experience is effectively owned and aligned across functions, which can impact financial performance. Respondents indicate that fully aligning marketing, sales and operations could unlock a 20% increase in their organization's revenue. Surveyed CMOs identify their top data-related challenges as syncing or automating workflows across multiple systems, data fragmentation and having too many tools and platforms to manage. Roughly 7 in 10 (68%) of CMOs surveyed say simplifying technology infrastructure will enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness. When asked about their greatest challenge over the next three years, cybersecurity and data privacy top the list, followed by technology modernization, forecast accuracy and talent recruiting/retention. To view the full study, visit: *Study Methodology The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 1,800 Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs) across 33 geographies and 24 industries between March and May 2025. For simplicity and audience relevance, findings in this report are attributed to "CMOs," though data are aggregated across these roles and not segmented by title. As such, references to "CMOs" represent the combined insights of these demand leadership roles, unless otherwise specified. Survey topics include executive priorities, growth objectives, customer experience initiatives, technology adoption, collaboration and talent. The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit for more information. Media Contact Marisa Conway IBM Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE IBM
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IBM Study: Businesses View AI Agents as Essential, Not Just Experimental
Surveyed executives report anticipated 8x surge in AI-enabled workflows by 2025, with AI agents improving process efficiency, reducing costs, and changing workflows. Respondents say that 64% of AI budgets are now spent on core business functions. Over two-thirds (69%) of executives surveyed say 'improved decision-making' is the number one benefit of agentic AI systems. ARMONK, N.Y., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study by the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value reveals that enterprises are expected to significantly scale AI-enabled workflows, many driven by agentic AI, relying on them for improved decision making and automation. The AI Projects to Profits study, which surveyed 2,900 executives globally, revealed that respondents expect AI-enabled workflows to grow from 3% today to 25% by the end of 2025. With 70% of surveyed executives indicating that agentic AI is important to their organization's future, the research suggests that many organizations are actively encouraging experimentation. As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, enterprises can turn to AI agents as the next evolution of intelligent automation. 83% of respondents say they expect AI agents to improve process efficiency and output by 2026, and 71% believe agents will autonomously adapt to changing workflows. "We see more clients looking at agentic AI as the key to help them move past incremental productivity gains and actually gain business value from AI, especially when applied in their core processes like supply chain and HR," said Francesco Brenna, VP & Senior Partner, AI Integration Services, IBM Consulting. "This isn't about plugging an agent into an existing process and hoping for the best. It means re-architecting how the process is executed, redesigning the user experience, orchestrating agents end-to-end, and integrating the right data to provide context, memory, and intelligence throughout." These are the top five benefits of agentic AI systems that are driving adoption across industries, according to the report: Over two-thirds (69%) of executives surveyed say 'improved decision-making' is the number one benefit of agentic AI systems. 67% of those surveyed cite 'cost reduction through automation' as a benefit. Almost half (47%) of leaders surveyed indicate 'competitive advantage' as a top benefit of agentic AI systems. 'Scaled employee experience' is cited as a top benefit, according to 44% of executives surveyed. 42% of those surveyed indicate that 'improved talent retention' is another major benefit to implementing agentic AI systems. Though benefits were cited among those surveyed, concerns with agentic AI adoption are still present among leaders. Those surveyed indicate that concerns around data (49%), trust issues (46%) and skills shortages (42%) remain barriers to adoption for their organizations. Other key findings include: Executives surveyed indicate that AI investment has grown to about 12% of IT spend in 2024. By 2026, the participants indicated they expect this number is to increase by over two-thirds to account for 20% of IT spend. Respondents say that 64% of AI budgets are now spent on core business functions, underscoring AI's move from an experimentation phase to an important part of business strategy. The proportion of surveyed organizations relying on an ad hoc approach to AI has declined from a reported 19% last year to just 6% today, indicating increased confidence and commitment to AI-driven transformation. One in four companies surveyed are already using an "AI-first" approach Among those with an "AI-first" approach, respondents say they attribute more than half of their revenue growth (52%) and operating margin improvements (54%) to AI initiatives in the last 12 months To view the full study, visit Study Methodology:The IBM Institute for Business Value study, in partnership with Oxford Economics, draws insights from two 2025 surveys: the "AI at the core survey" (2,500 executives across 18 industries and 19 regions) and the "Agentic AI pulse survey" (400 C-suite executives across 15 roles, 11 industries, and 6 countries). Survey questions explored AI's current role in business operations, including its impact on revenue, profitability, productivity, and resource efficiency. Further analysis was conducted to identify key relationships, trends and associations within the dataset. The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit for more information. Media Contact: Marisa Conway IBM Corporate Communicationsconwaym@ Kristen Shah IBM Consulting Communications View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE IBM Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
06-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
IBM Study: CEOs Double Down on AI While Navigating Enterprise Hurdles
CEO respondents say they expect the growth rate of AI investments will more than double over the next two years 50% of surveyed CEOs report that rapid investment has resulted in disconnected technology within their organization ARMONK, N.Y., May 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- A new global study by the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value found that surveyed CEOs are committed to advancing AI solutions across their organization even as they face challenges from accelerating technology adoption. The IBM CEO study,* which surveyed 2,000 CEOs globally, revealed that executive respondents expect the growth rate of AI investments to more than double in the next two years, and 61% confirm they are actively adopting AI agents today and preparing to implement them at scale. According to the findings, 68% of surveyed CEOs identify integrated enterprise-wide data architecture as critical for cross-functional collaboration, and 72% view their organization's proprietary data as key to unlocking the value of generative AI. However, the research indicates organizations may be struggling to cultivate an effective data environment: half (50%) of respondents acknowledge that the pace of recent investments has left their organization with disconnected, piecemeal technology. In the foreword of the study, IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn writes, "As AI adoption accelerates creating greater efficiency, and productivity gains, the ultimate pay-off will only come to CEOs with the courage to embrace risk as opportunity. Meaning, focusing on what you can control, especially when there is so much you can't. When the business environment is uncertain, using AI and your enterprise data to identify where you have leverage is a competitive advantage. At this point, leaders who aren't leveraging AI and their own data to move forward are making a conscious business decision not to compete." "CEOs are balancing the pressures of short-term ROI and investing in long-term innovation when it comes to adopting AI," said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. "But we know that organizations that keep innovating, especially during periods of uncertainty, will emerge stronger and be better positioned to capitalize on new opportunities." Other key findings include: Surveyed CEOs report that only 25% of AI initiatives have delivered expected ROI over the last few years, and only 16% have scaled enterprise wide. To accelerate progress, two-thirds (65%) of CEO respondents say their organization is leaning into AI use cases based on ROI, with 68% reporting that their organization has clear metrics to measure innovation ROI effectively. Just over half (52%) of CEO respondents say their organization is realizing value from generative AI investments beyond cost reduction. 64% of CEOs surveyed acknowledge that the risk of falling behind drives investment in some technologies before they have a clear understanding of the value they bring to the organization, but only 37% say it's better to be "fast and wrong" than "right and slow" when it comes to technology adoption. 59% of surveyed CEOs admit their organization struggles to balance funding for existing operations and investment in innovation when unexpected change occurs, as 67% say more budget flexibility is needed to capitalize on digital opportunities that drive long-term growth and innovation. By 2027, 85% of surveyed CEOs expect their investments in scaled AI efficiency and cost savings to have returned a positive ROI, while 77% expect to see a positive return from their investments in scaled AI growth and expansion. CEOs see strategic leadership and specialized talent as essential to unlocking AI value, amid expertise and skills gaps 69% of CEO respondents say their organization's success is directly tied to maintaining a broad group of leaders with a deep understanding of strategy and the authority to make critical decisions. 67% of CEOs surveyed say that differentiation depends on having the right expertise in the right positions with the right incentives. CEOs cite lack of collaboration across organizational silos, aversion to risk and disruption, and lack of expertise and knowledge as top barriers to innovation in their organization. Surveyed CEOs say roughly one-third (31%) of the workforce will require retraining and/or reskilling over the next three years, while 65% say their organization will use automation to address skill gaps. 54% of CEO respondents say they are hiring for roles related to AI that did not exist a year ago. To view the full study, visit: *Study Methodology The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 2,000 CEOs from 33 countries and 24 industries between February and April 2025. Survey questions covered several key areas, including organizational performance, strategic priorities and innovation challenges. The survey also explored how companies manage change, adopt technology like AI, make decisions, leadership approaches, talent strategies, cultural readiness for transformation, collaboration efforts and regulatory concerns. The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit for more information.
