As we reflect on the global efforts toward sustainability during UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week, it is more evident than ever that the challenges we face—whether social, economic, or environmental—require a collective approach. No single organization, industry, or country can solve these complex issues alone. At Randstad, we firmly believe that businesses have a critical role to play in driving a whole-of-society approach that is needed to build a fairer, more sustainable future.
The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, are a set of 17 global goals designed to be a blueprint for achieving a better, more sustainable world by 2030. These goals address the most urgent issues facing our world, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. Randstad’s sustainability framework, focused on promoting a fair labor market, fostering equity at work, and supporting the green transition, is aligned with five key SDGs where we are well-placed to make the most meaningful impact: quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and climate action (SDG 13).
Randstad for All, India, offers a tailored learning journey designed to support talent from the LGBTQI+ community and individuals with disabilities.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our commitment to shaping a more equitable and resilient future. Our approach to sustainability is holistic, ensuring that our business practices not only support our talent and clients, but also progressively contribute to the wider society and environment in which we all live and work. The Randstad Sustainability Report is our way of transparently sharing how we bring this commitment to life, illustrating our view of sustainability by showcasing the tangible impact we’re making through innovative initiatives across the globe.
promoting a fair labor market.
A fair labor market is essential for ensuring that everyone has access to decent, secure, and fair employment. At Randstad, we advocate for the rights of all workers, ensuring they benefit from fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth, regardless of their background or employment type. This commitment is vital because it not only helps improve the quality of life for workers but also fosters economic stability and growth.
Drawing from our commitment to a fair, equitable labor market, we work proactively to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for talent. One example is in Canada, where our health and safety team proactively consultants with clients and has been recognized for its best practices through multiple industry awards, reflecting our dedication to SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
fostering equity at work.
Equity in the workplace is about ensuring that all individuals, no matter any aspect of their background, have equal access to opportunities. Randstad is dedicated to creating inclusive work environments where everyone can thrive. This pillar is crucial because diverse teams drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and reflect the broad spectrum of our global societies. We strive to create inclusive opportunities for talent who have traditionally been marginalized or underrepresented in the labor market.
One of Randstad’s key global initiatives is our global refugee support program, which helps refugees and migrants integrate into the labor market by providing them with job opportunities, training, and mentorship (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). In 2023, Randstad committed to supporting the work lives of 50,000 refugees over the next three years - and already, in 2023 alone, over 35,000 individuals from this community were supported. In Australia, the ‘RecruitAble’ program addresses the barriers faced by people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment. In 2023, Randstad helped place over 220 candidates with disabilities in jobs, furthering our commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces.
Randstad Box, Italy, helps address youth unemployment through free co-working, study spaces, networking activities and training opportunities.
supporting the Green Transition.
As the world confronts the realities of climate change, supporting the green transition is not just an environmental imperative but a business one too. Randstad plays an important role in this transition by preparing the workforce for the green jobs of the future, ensuring that the necessary skills are in place to meet the demands of rapidly evolving economies.
In Germany, the Randstad Academy is at the forefront of this effort, retraining individuals in renewable energy sectors (SDG 13: Climate Action), helping to close the skills gap in the green economy. More than 100 people have already graduated from the Academy, helping to close critical skills gaps in the green economy. Furthermore, our global Net Zero Ambassador Network has launched over 50 sustainability projects. These initiatives, such as the installation of solar panels at several facilities, demonstrate our commitment to operational sustainability and our goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
taking bold steps - together.
In this year’s Randstad Sustainability Report, we reflect on the collective power of organizations, communities, and individuals to drive systemic change. Achieving the SDGs is a monumental task that requires concerted effort across every sector of society. At Randstad, we recognize that as a global talent leader, we have a unique responsibility to contribute to these efforts, ensuring that labor markets function equitably and sustainably.
Our focus on quality education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and climate action underpins everything we do. Through our partnerships with clients, governments, and stakeholders, we are working to create a future where every individual can thrive in a fair and sustainable world.
learn more in Randstad's Sustainability Report.
Marlou Leenders
global head of sustainability
Marlou has a background in international business communication and has been working for Randstad since 2005. She started as a management trainee in the Netherlands, continued as a quality manager and initiated the sustainability strategy for the Dutch operating company and was promoted to global Head of Sustainability at Randstad Global. With more than 10 years of sustainability experience, she has taken the lead in the development of Randstad's global sustainability agenda. In addition, Marlou is a board member of the UN Global Compact Netherlands and a guest lecturer at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam at the Executive CSR management program. Through our services and partnerships, Randstad has a sizable impact on creating a thriving inclusive labor market and accelerating global societal challenges in a positive way. As a result Randstad has been included as the only HR services provider in the Professionals Services category within the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World Index.