Some 97% of global executives believe that sustainability reporting will offer a business advantage over the next two years, with 96% of investors believing it strengthens financial performance, a new study by Workiva has found.
Workvia’s 2025 Executive Benchmark Survey, which garnered responses from 1,600 global leaders, found that despite policy uncertainty when it came to ESG matters, businesses are not changing course.
“CEOs are making choices today that will shape their business for years to come,” commented Julie Iskow, CEO of Workiva. “Assured financial and sustainability reporting is not simply a compliance play, it’s a strategic approach to mitigate risk, fuel performance, and strengthen investor confidence.”
Other findings from the study indicate that 85% plan to move forward with climate disclosures, regardless of the political environment, as they seek to foster a more sustainable business environment.
Global commitment
Some 10,000 companies and institutions have currently set science-based decarbonisation targets or are committed to doing so – a 29% increase year-on-year – while more than 190 countries (including 24 US states) remain committed to the Paris Agreement, it noted.
“The market has spoken and forward-thinking companies aren’t waiting – they’re taking action and committing to science-based targets and stronger disclosures,” added Tensie Whelan, distinguished professor of practice for business and society and founding director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business.
“They understand that sustainability and integrated reporting isn’t just about risk management, it’s a competitive advantage that attracts capital and drives long-term success.”
Elsewhere, the study found that 92% of investors said that they rank data accuracy as a ‘foundational requirement’ when it comes to evaluating organisations, and 93% of investors are more likely to invest in firms with integrated financial and non-financial reporting.
As Allyson Anderson Book, CSO at Baker Hughes, noted, the business case for integrated data and reporting is stronger than ever, particularly when viewed in an ESG-related context.
“By making our operations more sustainable, we’re able to increase efficiencies that impact our bottom line. It’s a direct cause-and-effect relationship,” she noted. Read more here.
Read more: Read our exclusive report, Sustainability – A Business Roadmap
