By Marga Hoek, Global Voice on Imagine5, an environmental impact platform dedicated to inspiring change through the power of positive storytelling.
Climate anxiety—also sometimes called “eco-anxiety”—has emerged as a growing concern among employees worldwide. Once dismissed as a marginal concern, it is now more widely recognised as a factor that can affect mental health, productivity, and even talent retention.
As a speaker and author focusing on the intersection of profit and purpose, I’ve observed firsthand how this heightened environmental concern impacts not just individual well-being, but also the broader organisational culture. Leaders who fail to address it may find themselves facing disengaged, demotivated teams and missed opportunities.
The rise of eco-anxiety
Recent events—from record-breaking heatwaves to intensifying natural disasters—have propelled climate change to the top of many employees’ minds. Younger generations in particular -millennials and GenZ- view environmental stewardship as non-negotiable, insisting that employers share their sense of urgency.
In fact, a study released earlier this year found that 68% of professionals under 35 said they had experienced “moderate to severe anxiety” about climate impacts on their future (Sawyer 2025, p.14).
This anxiety doesn’t stay at home when employees log in or step into the office.
Unaddressed, it can manifest as heightened stress, irritability, and a decline in performance. Leaders need to recognise that ignoring or underestimating the importance of these signals comes with both mental and physical risks like burnout, and can block the potential for innovative thinking.
A hidden drain on productivity and retention
Climate-related anxieties contribute to elevated turnover intentions among high-performing employees. When employees believe their organisation lags in sustainability efforts or fails to acknowledge eco-anxiety, they’re more likely to seek other workplaces that do align with their values.
Moreover, anxiety often erodes focus and engagement. Prolonged climate dread can result in higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism—employees are physically present but mentally distracted. For an organisation, this translates into real financial costs and a setback to its capacity for creativity. If individuals are worried about the future of the planet, they may struggle to envision the future of the business.
Leading with Empathy and Action
The good news is that leaders can have positive impact to alleviate climate anxiety while strengthening their organisation’s resilience. Start with empathy. Encouraging open dialogue—through town halls, internal forums, or Q&A sessions—signals that concerns about climate change are valid and taken seriously.From there, concrete action matters. Corporate sustainability initiatives are no longer just a branding exercise; they’re essential to employee well-being and loyalty. That’s not to say every business needs to build a solar farm or turn around their supply chains overnight.
Maybe they should anyway, but small, tangible steps—like transitioning to renewable energy suppliers, investing in responsible supply chains, or setting clear net-zero goals—foster a sense of shared mission and immediately provide employees with a positive feeling of purpose, belonging and impact.
Employees who see real progress toward sustainability can redirect their worry into purposeful engagement. And, as I so often mention, that in the end will also impact the bottom line positively.
Building a culture of climate resilience
In my work advising boards worldwide, I emphasise integrating sustainability into every layer of strategy and operations. This isn’t just good ethics; it’s good economics. Companies with robust climate resilience strategies consistently outperform on key financial metrics.
But resilience must extend to the human side as well. Leaders who prioritise climate resilience cultivate an environment where employees feel both supported and empowered.
This may include mental health resources focused on eco-anxiety, giving teams time to volunteer with environmental initiatives, or championing “green innovation challenges” to channel concerns into creative and positive problem-solving. When employees recognise tangible actions make a difference, anxiety might well transform into motivation.
Turning concern into competitive advantage
For forward-thinking leaders, addressing climate anxiety, eco-anxiety or whatever we call it, is not a distraction from strategic goals—it’s a catalyst. Employees driven by environmental concerns often push companies toward cutting-edge approaches that reduce waste, cut costs, and open new markets for sustainable products or services.
By proactively channeling climate concern into solutions, organisations set themselves up for successful business innovation. In my books The Trillion Dollar Shift and Tech for Good and throughout my speaking engagements, I’ve underscored how today’s most successful companies merge profit and purpose.
Ignoring climate anxiety in the workplace undermines that delicate balance. Embracing and addressing it can galvanise teams, spark fresh ideas, and enhance corporate reputation.
Conclusion
Climate anxiety isn’t merely a personal issue—it’s a sign of the broader societal shift toward sustainability and responsible leadership.
By acknowledging its reality, offering empathetic support, and driving meaningful action, leaders can transform a collective worry into a collective advantage. In doing so, they not only fortify employee well-being but also future-proof their organisations in an era where sustainable business is more than an option—it’s a necessity.
When leaders place “Business for Good” at the core of their strategic vision, they empower teams to navigate uncertainty with clarity and conviction. Climate anxiety may be on the rise, but with the right leadership, it can become a compelling force for progress, fueling resilient, purpose-driven growth.
About the author
Marga Hoek is an internationally recognised thought leader, three-time CEO and multi-award-winning author. As well as her work with Imagine5, she is the author of Tech for Good, and The Trillion Dollar Shift.
