Green Economy Journal Issue 63

EMPLOYMENT
Change the game.
Create a more sustainable
future through youth jobs.
Sponsor critical youth jobs.
Empower communities.
Create lasting impact.
Join the movement of over 1,680 trailblazing businesses
changing the game by integrating YES into their ESG/SDG
strategies.
Say YES today and gain B-BBEE levels.
To find out more contact
corporatesupport@yes4youth.co.za
YES 20240307GE
EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S
WORKFORCE Integrating YES into ESG strategies
In an era defined by rapidly evolving social, environmental and economic challenges, sustainable
development has become more than just a buzzword, it is a guiding principle shaping the
future of work and society at large.
BY YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
Among the myriad initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability,
the Youth Employment Service (YES) stands out as a beacon of
hope, bridging the gap between young talent and meaningful
employment opportunities. Through navigating the complexities
of a changing world, integrating YES into environmental, social
and governance (ESG) strategies emerges not only as a moral
imperative but also as a strategic necessity for building a more
resilient and inclusive workforce.
At its core, ESG embodies a holistic approach to business and
societal progress, emphasising the interconnectedness of
environmental stewardship, social equity and transparent
governance. While traditionally associated with corporate
sustainability strategies, the relevance of ESG extends far beyond
boardrooms, permeating various facets of socio-economic
development. Youth employment, in particular, presents a
compelling arena for ESG integration, as it intersects with issues
ranging from climate action and community engagement to ethical
labour practices.
Understanding the crucial role of ESG and SDGs
ESG strategies have become more and more important for
investors and customers alike. The advent of ESG investment
indices such as FTSE Russell, RobecoSAM, MSCI and others has
shown that those buying both stocks and/or products care about
a business’ external environmental and socio-economic impact, as
well as internal governance structures that affect people, planet
and processes.
YES can be seamlessly integrated into a business’ ESG and
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) strategies and impact
the areas that mean the most to your business by creating critical
youth jobs. If we can build and maintain this, our youth can inherit
a South Africa that we can be proud of and that works for all.
The 17 SDGs have been adopted globally by both countries
and companies, recognising that collaboration and partnerships
are indispensable for their achievement. What sets the SDGs apart
is their holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness
between goals. Reducing poverty means improving education and
must also go hand-in-hand with other strategies such as improving
climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forestry.
Driving corporate ESG alignment and social responsibility
A company’s sustainability and ethical impact can be measured
by the degree to which they align with these goals as well as
the ESG criteria used to assess a company’s practices related
to promoting social mobility of youth (especially those from
historically disadvantaged communities), human rights, labour
standards, community involvement, customer satisfaction and
overall impact on society.
YES has a proven track record of creating meaningful, measurable
impact for country company and youth. Since inception, over
135 913 work experiences have already been created for youth,
injecting R7.4-billion back into the economy directly through youth
wallets, with no government funding.
As the largest private sector led job creation initiative in South
Africa, YES has a direct impact on SDG 8: “Promote sustained,
inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all”. Working towards this goal
will mitigate poverty and hunger, and improve living standards. By
working towards transformation and socioeconomic development,
YES drives economic and gender equality, support for quality
education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
What is YES?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is the highest impact private
sector youth employment programme in South Africa, affecting
broad-based change across sectors, provinces and the country.
As a private sector-led initiative, YES addresses the country’s youth
unemployment crisis by empowering businesses to create jobs for
our unemployed youth. We’re youth-focused and business-led.
Integrating with YES for improved impact
The YES turnkey solution works with 26 YES-vetted host partners
across South Africa to place youth. If a corporate cannot place
youth in their own organisation, they have the option to place
youth with our host partners. The YES host partners are non-profit
organisations working in high-impact sector communities, which
means youth do not have to travel far for work and they can play
an important part in building their own communities.
Historically, host partners have been focused on high-impact
sectors like healthcare and education, but YES is also incorporating
future-facing sectors with high absorption. Many YES jobs are being
created in sunrise industries that position South Africa for the future
by creating sustainable jobs at scale. These are industries that will
help South Africa leapfrog up the world rankings of key sectors
such as digital and technology, tourism, global business services,
retail, information technology, creative and drones – meaning your
business can create critical youth jobs in sectors that reflect your
ESG/SDG strategies.
Creating youth jobs in sectors that build economic, social and
environmental stability in communities (through the turnkey
solution) is an effective way to systemically and holistically begin
to co-create a future that works sustainably.
Gain up to two levels on your B-BBEE scorecard
In exchange for sponsoring critical youth jobs, businesses can
improve their B-BBEE score by up to two levels. Plus, for your
first year with YES, your business can receive its B-BBEE level
immediately if youth are contracted before your financial year-end.
Join the movement and co-create a sustainable future that works.
Find out more at yes4youth.co.za.
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