Performance reviews have long been a staple of professional development, helping employees grow and align with company objectives. But as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability and social responsibility, it’s time to rethink how we evaluate performance.

Incorporating social and environmental impact into performance reviews not only aligns with B Impact Assessment (BIA) standards but also fosters a culture where employees actively contribute to a better world.

Traditional performance reviews focus on productivity, leadership, and goal attainment. While these are essential, they often overlook an employee’s role in advancing sustainability and social impact. With the rise of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives, businesses must recognise that individual contributions to these areas are just as valuable as meeting sales targets or improving efficiency.

Integrating sustainability and social impact into performance reviews benefits both the company and its employees. Here’s why:

• Drives Meaningful Change – Employees become directly involved in sustainability initiatives rather than seeing them as separate from their daily work.
• Boosts Employee Engagement – People want to work for companies that align with their values. Recognising sustainability efforts fosters a sense of purpose.
• Creates Accountability – Just as companies are held to environmental and social standards, employees should be evaluated on their contributions to these goals.
• Strengthens Brand Reputation – Companies that prioritise sustainability in employee performance reviews demonstrate a genuine commitment to corporate responsibility.

1. Define Your Company’s Sustainability & Social Goals

Before assessing employee impact, clearly define what matters most to your business:
Environmental: Carbon footprint reduction, waste management, ethical sourcing
Social: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), community engagement, employee well-being

2. Evaluate Employees on Their Impact Contributions

Managers should assess employees based on:

• Their participation in sustainability initiatives
• Their leadership in driving positive change within the company
• Their alignment with social impact goals (e.g., volunteering, inclusive hiring practises)

3. Use a Structured Performance Review Template

A simple way to integrate impact evaluation is through a performance review template. See our how to guide for a full template.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback & Set Goals

Use performance reviews as an opportunity to guide employees on how they can further integrate sustainability and social impact into their roles. Set clear, achievable goals for the next review cycle.

As businesses move toward purpose-driven growth, employee evaluations should reflect the company’s commitment to making a positive impact. By embedding sustainability and social responsibility into performance reviews, companies don’t just track progress—they create a culture where every team member plays a role in building a better future.