The Influence of Environmental Sustainability on Economic and Social Sustainability and on the Job Attractiveness of Excellent Companies to Work for

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the importance of environmental sustainability through its influence on job attractiveness, economic sustainability, and social sustainability of excellent companies to work for. Using data from the annual RAE ranking of the best workplaces in Spain during 2013–2023, companies with environmental sustainability certified under the ISO 14001 standard are studied comparatively against those without this certification. The methodology includes descriptive, exploratory, and inferential analyses. The findings show that most attractive workplaces implement environmental policies aligned with the ISO 14001 certification. Environmentally sustainable companies receive higher ratings in terms of CSR, which enhance their reputation as employers. These companies tend to be larger, increasing the likelihood of obtaining environmental certification, though they fail to consolidate economic and social sustainability. The practical implications of the study include recommending that governments promote environmental policies in small businesses without restricting efforts to any specific economic sector.