Only 50% of businesses prioritise environment, health, and safety in long-term strategies

Overall plans not aligned with immediate investment goals.

The EY Global EHS (environmental, health, and safety) Maturity Study shows that just 50% of the world's organisations prioritise EHS in their overall business strategies, with the other half potentially missing out on long-term gains.

"It is easy to dismiss EHS initiatives as box-ticking exercises, or as ways to shore up risk defenses, but the reality is that, done well, EHS is a key that can unlock untold value for businesses, their stakeholders, and the planet as a whole," said EY Global EHS Co-leader Jessica Wollmuth.

"Get EHS right, and businesses can reap a host of commercial, operational, and reputational gains. But that means investing strategically and casting off the blinkers that often leave businesses stuck in the here and now, rather than looking to the future."

Notably, businesses are looking to focus more on EHS in the immediate term. According to the survey, which involved 500 EHS professionals and C-suite leaders across the globe, 78% plan to increase spending on this area over the next three years.

Through EHS initiatives, companies promote workforce welfare and well-being while also mitigating risks that relate to environmental issues like climate change. For 79% of the respondents, their view is that EHS leads to operational efficiencies, while 65% see its clear commercial value.

So, what could have been preventing firms from investing?

Recognising the difficulties, fellow EY Global EHS Co-leader Monica Merlo pointed out: "There's no denying the challenges that businesses will encounter as they set out on the road toward effective EHS.

"Building a business case, securing budgets, measuring the returns, and even getting heard at board level all present challenges which can hinder the efforts of even the most determined organisations.

"But with the right leadership — which prioritises strategy, data-driven decision-making, ongoing investment, and early adoption of technology — businesses can steer a course around these obstacles and position themselves for long-term rewards."

According to EY, 81% of organisations that have been strategically investing in EHS over time believe their initiatives have contributed to improved commercial value.