Strategic Green Human Resource Management for Sustainable Transformation: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Innovation driven Workforce Practices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59543/ijsdg.v1i.16539

Keywords:

Green Human Resource Management; Green Innovation; Sustainable Performance; Green Hiring; Green Training and Involvement; Green Performance Management; Sustainability; Employee Engagement; Organizational Development; United Nations Sustainable Goals

Abstract

In today’s global landscape, organizations face increasing pressure to align their strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting environmental responsibility, social equity, and sustainable economic growth. Green Human Resource Management plays a vital role in this transition by integrating sustainability principles into core HR functions. This conceptual study explores how Green Hiring, Green Training and Involvement, and Green Performance Management serve as catalysts for sustainable organizational performance through the mediating effect of Green Innovation. Based on existing literature, the study emphasizes how these practices foster environmentally conscious employees, strengthen a culture of innovation, and boost long-term organizational resilience. It also shows that GHRM directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), especially SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth; SDG 12, which encourages responsible consumption and production; and SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action—by cultivating sustainable work environments, environmentally responsible practices, and innovation-driven growth. By aligning HR policies with global sustainability frameworks, organizations can enhance accountability, increase employee engagement, and contribute significantly to the broader sustainability efforts.

Author Biographies

Ilakkiya M V, Department of Management and Sustainability, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland

I am currently pursuing my MSc in Management and Sustainability at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway, Ireland. My academic journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to understanding how organizations can balance business growth with environmental and social responsibility. The Management and Sustainability program at Galway has provided me with an enriching platform to explore global sustainability frameworks, ethical business practices, and innovative management models that promote long-term organizational resilience.

Before joining the University of Galway, I completed my Master of Business Administration from Kumaraguru Business School, Anna University, India, with a specialization in Human Resource Management. During my MBA, I actively participated in various academic and social initiatives that shaped my understanding of sustainable development and people-centric leadership. My postgraduate research focused on Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), which explored how HR practices can be strategically aligned with environmental goals to foster innovation and employee engagement. This research inspired my current academic and professional interests in integrating sustainability within corporate HR systems.

Professionally, I gained hands-on experience as a Management Apprentice in the Talent Acquisition team at Bosch India, one of the world’s leading technology and services companies. At Bosch, I was actively involved in multiple HR functions, including lateral and campus hiring operations, onboarding, induction programs, and process coordination. My role also extended to supporting large-scale onboarding initiatives for fresh graduates and managing end-to-end recruitment operations. Working in a global organization like Bosch allowed me to understand the importance of ethical HR practices, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving relationship between people, technology, and sustainability.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I contributed to several internal employee engagement and cultural events, including serving as a coordinator for festive and organizational initiatives under the ONE HR team. These experiences strengthened my organizational, communication, and event-management skills while enhancing my understanding of how HR functions contribute to employee well-being and a positive workplace culture.

My academic and professional journey has also been influenced by my involvement in sustainability-driven community programs. During my social immersion project in India, I worked on educational and well-being initiatives for tribal students by distributing learning materials and organizing interactive activities. This experience deepened my belief that sustainability extends beyond corporate policies it is a mindset rooted in empathy, inclusiveness, and long-term community impact.

Currently, my research and learning at the University of Galway focus on sustainable business models, environmental governance, and the integration of ethical decision-making into corporate strategies. I am passionate about exploring how Green HRM can become a central pillar of sustainable management, bridging the gap between human capital and ecological responsibility. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the field of sustainable HRM through both academic research and practical implementation in global organizations. I aspire to develop frameworks that encourage businesses to act responsibly toward people, society, and the planet while ensuring continued innovation and competitiveness.

Gayathri S P, Department of Business administration, PSGR Krishnammal College for women, Bharathiyar University, India

Gayathri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, where she graduated as the second rank holder, and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources and Data Analytics, earning a CGPA of 8.4. She has gained professional experience as a Management Apprentice at Bosch Limited, where she contributed to several initiatives within the Human Resources function, particularly in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). During her tenure, she supported efforts to strengthen inclusive workplace policies and enhance employee engagement across diverse teams. Her academic background and practical exposure have shaped her interest in promoting equitable and people-centric organizational cultures. Gayathri’s key areas of interest include inclusive workplace practices, employee experience, strategic human resource development, and sustainable HRM approaches that integrate social equity with organizational growth. She remains committed to advancing HR strategies that foster fairness, innovation, and long-term organizational well-being.

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Published

2025-12-27

How to Cite

Mettupalayam Vasanthakumar, I., & S P, G. (2025). Strategic Green Human Resource Management for Sustainable Transformation: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Innovation driven Workforce Practices. International Journal of Sustainable Development Goals, 1, 353–361. https://doi.org/10.59543/ijsdg.v1i.16539

Issue

Vol. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles