Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important for Swiss companies. Two experts explain how to adapt to these essential ESG and CSR criteria.
Well established among large corporations, ESG indicators enable investors to assess a company’s non-financial performance. In addition to environmental and social factors, ESG also encompasses governance, which includes issues such as transparency in corporate management, effective compliance structures, fair remuneration systems and the composition of the board of directors. The OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct recommend that companies develop policies in which they commit to responsible conduct and take the necessary measures.
Between 2022 and 2024, these criteria grew markedly in importance within the business landscape, according to the Swiss Managers Survey Business Climate Index. Nearly half of multinational companies have appointed an ESG manager within their management team. The ethical frameworks defined by ESG indicators, and by corporate social responsibility (CSR), can shape corporate reputation, enhance competitiveness, and secure long-term viability. For SMEs, however, adopting responsible practices can be complex. How can they be most effectively integrated into business strategy? Two experts share their insights.
Identifying the relevant issues
Since ESG indicators can be used to assess CSR strategy, a company with a strong CSR policy will find it easier to meet ESG requirements. The first step is to determine the criteria on which the company can genuinely make progress. "Out of the forty or so issues that make up CSR, for example, a small business will generally only be affected by around ten, given its size. It is therefore important to identify them clearly," explains François Sibille, lecturer at the Geneva School of Business Administration and head of the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Sustainable Management.
Before getting started, an SME should carry out a diagnostic. "This might mean comparing its practices with the forty or so issues listed in the ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility." The specialist recommends that SMEs, which often lack the time and resources to do this internally, seek the help of an external consultant. "Half a day of guidance is usually enough to pinpoint the key issues to address and define the action plans to put in place." CSR and ESG criteria must also be fully integrated into the company's strategy and business model.
Setting realistic goals
When a company seeks to embed responsible practices in sustainability, it is advisable to start with short-term measures and assess whether small objectives, such as waste recycling or carpooling, can be implemented with ease. "Most of the benefits of sustainability emerge in the medium to long term, but small wins can help sustain commitment over time," explains Christian Vögtlin, professor at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and co-head of the Zurich Center for Sustainable Leadership.
"A diagnostic may sometimes highlight twenty or so potential objectives, which is unmanageable for an SME," adds François Sibille. "Delivering even one of them over the course of a year, with a proper monitoring indicator and interim reviews, can already represent a meaningful commitment."
Starting with social aspects
Some themes do not necessarily require a diagnostic and apply to most Swiss companies. "Social issues such as access to training, ethical management practices, or questions of diversity, gender equality, and the inclusion of people with disabilities are areas where most companies can make tangible progress," explains François Sibille.
Solutions that address social issues call for internal reflection and a shift in mindset."Today, disability remains a major taboo, even though there are many integration associations with which companies can collaborate. One company recently told me how employing a person with a disability had been highly beneficial, and even commercially viable, for them."
Training and accessible resources
A wide range of resources is now available to help companies embed sustainability into their operations. "Institutions such as SECO, the Swiss and Liechtenstein chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, or the Swiss Council for Sustainable Development (öbu) provide a wealth of free materials, from guides and tools to articles," explains Christian Vögtlin.
Additional support and training can be found at most Swiss universities and universities of applied sciences. "They offer advanced, specialized programs such as Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) and Master's of Advanced Studies (MAS), along with coaching. Companies can also benefit from student-led projects or internships carried out within their organizations."
On the theme
Since 2014, the Reffnet association, created by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on behalf of the Swiss Confederation, has been helping companies optimize their use of resources, particularly energy. Interested SMEs can access services ranging from consulting to the development of concrete action plans, covering topics such as material efficiency, circular economy, food waste reduction, hospitality, and energy efficiency. FOEN can provide financial support of up to CHF 5,000 for companies using these services, equivalent to three days of expert work.
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Last modification 03.09.2025
