Here are some additional strategies backed by statistics to enhance your sustainability reporting and manage expectations effectively: -Engage Stakeholders Early Why? According to a PwC study, 91% of investors believe that companies that engage with stakeholders effectively demonstrate long-term value. -Increase Transparency Why? Transparency fosters trust. The Edelman Trust Barometer (2023) highlights that 68% of consumers are more likely to trust a company that openly shares its sustainability challenges alongside achievements. -Provide Robust Data Why? Strong, credible data builds confidence. According to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), 73% of investors prioritize reports with verified, quantitative data.

In my experience, sustainability reports of most organisations and corporates reflect more their desire to please their stakeholders than highlight genuine efforts towards creating a change. Following herd mentality and running after easy wins to demonstrate big numbers is a common trend. This could easily create stakeholder backlash as they are all now better aware of the evolving possibilities to create long term and sustainable change. Being realistic while setting sustainability targets, setting up credible third party Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and verification systems and building long term roadmaps to achieve difficult goals are ways to remain credible and trustworthy to shareholders and avoid their backlash.

Engage stakeholders early to align expectations and integrate their feedback, ensuring transparency and accuracy by using verified data and clear methodologies. Set realistic, measurable goals and communicate progress honestly, tailoring messages to address specific concerns. Enhance credibility through third-party reviews or certifications, and provide context for challenges by acknowledging shortcomings and outlining corrective actions. This proactive, transparent approach builds trust and fosters collaborative relationships.

Detailed discussions with all stakeholders are fundamental. To understand their perspectives, integrate their inputs into future course of action is key. - one-on-one discussions with these stakeholders - adding their inputs as case studies - for the future reports, including their perspectives, representations - discussing any conflicts with the main clientele All these steps can definitely help to create a better way forward.

Prevention is better than cure. Many organizations face stakeholder misalignment due to poor objective-setting in sustainability efforts. From my experience, clients often start with a sustainability reporting as a superficial tool for customer engagement or regulatory compliance or worse to elevate their CSR marketing. This presents a narrow window to reassess its purpose and sharpen focus. Organizations should map out key questions: - Are we reporting due to peer pressure or FOMO? - Why do we need sustainability reporting now (bad question), and are stakeholders aligned? - Potential impact on stakeholders? - List of target audience for the report? - What key variables should we prioritize to build a strong baseline for future progress?

It is not easy to handle stakeholders’ backlash over sustainability reports but this can be avoided in the future. Start by considering these strategies: Communicate with the stakeholders as early as possible with more emphasis on the aspect of transparency and providing quality data. If adopted, these strategies can assist in developing goodwill and credit with your users and interested parties which act as shock absorbers should there be a backlash on future sustainability reports. Recall, that sustainability involves multiple and diverse participants, hence the need for dynamic stakeholder discussion. Stakeholders who are involved and informed are less likely to complain and pressure you to perform to expectation.

To prevent stakeholder backlash on sustainability reports, prioritize transparency and consistency in data reporting. Engage stakeholders early by seeking their input on material issues, and ensure the report aligns with recognized frameworks like GRI or SASB. Use clear, honest language, addressing both successes and challenges, to build trust and credibility.

Backlash on sustainability reports ??? Try these next time. 1. Involve stakeholders. 2. Showcase your supply chain. Gives the reader an idea of what actions are possible and impediments. 3. Make stakeholder presentations and co-action plans. Involve them in action and not only in reports. 4. Investor presentations. 5. Use less jargon’s and increase pictorials. 6. Add road map for next few years. This shows where you are headed. 7. Use standard international formats in addition to BRSR.

Ensure data transparency, involve stakeholders early, and align sustainability goals with business objectives. Clear communication and third-party verification build trust and prevent backlash.

To prevent stakeholder backlash on sustainability reports, ensure transparency, accuracy, and alignment with stakeholder expectations. Engage stakeholders early through consultations to understand their priorities and address material issues. Use globally recognized frameworks like GRI or SASB for credibility, and provide verifiable data to substantiate claims. Avoid greenwashing by being honest about challenges and limitations. Tailor the report’s narrative to resonate with diverse audiences, emphasizing impact. Finally, maintain ongoing dialogue post-publication to address concerns promptly and adapt future strategies.