Transforming Human Capital Investments as a Guarantee of Employee and Business Well-being in Changing Conditions

ESG Strategy and the Transformation of the Employer's Role

Modern business is actively involved in the sustainable development (ESG) agenda. The presentation details the approach of the large investment holding AFK Sistema, whose portfolio includes companies from over 15 industries (MTS, Ozon, Segezha, Sitronics, etc.). The speaker examines how a responsible investor sets guidelines for assets of different scales and maturity levels, striving to bring them to high standards of sustainable development management.

Key strategic areas include the well-being of employees and clients, product quality, and the creation of a smart and safe environment. The holding's companies audit HSE practices and develop development strategies for several years ahead. For example, the developer Etalon uses digital modeling technologies to track construction progress and employee locations, which helps prevent hazardous situations and form its own safety index.

Digitalization as a Driver of Safety and Efficiency

ESG is not only about risk management but also about new opportunities. The holding's high-tech companies develop smart manufacturing solutions using artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The implementation of smart fire safety systems, sensors for PPE, and intelligent video monitoring allows for the automated control of safety rule compliance.

These systems can independently analyze the presence of people in hazardous areas, the correct use of PPE, and equipment conditions. This approach not only prevents incidents but also provides HSE specialists with a massive array of data to improve practices and manage processes more effectively.

From a Functional Unit to a Human Being: A New Paradigm of Relations

In recent years, the focus of the sustainable development agenda has shifted from ecology to social aspects. Using the pandemic years as an example, the speaker shows how the perception of employees has transformed. Business has become the institution with the highest level of trust, ahead of government bodies and NGOs. This places additional responsibility on the employer.

Companies are beginning to perceive an employee not just as a set of skills, but as a person on whom the adaptability of the entire business depends. Meeting the needs for psychological safety, assisting in adaptation, teaching financial literacy, and managing stress are all becoming part of the corporate culture. Studies confirm that such investments in human capital significantly increase productivity and loyalty.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to integrate HSE and employee well-being issues into the company's overall ESG strategy?
• Which digital tools (AI, IoT, video analytics) are most effective for preventing hazardous situations in production?
• How is the employer's role transforming in times of crisis and uncertainty?
• Why do investments in psychological safety and employee meta-skills directly affect business performance?
• How does the digitalization of the social sphere create synergy with the technological modernization of production?