In 2023, U.S. companies scaled back hiring for environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) roles amid a reevaluation of costs and the pursuit of faster investment returns. This marked a reversal from previous trends of increasing ESG engagement. Data revealed that ESG job departures occasionally exceeded arrivals throughout the year, with significant job outflows at major firms like Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Google. The decrease in ESG-focused hiring is attributed to investor pushback, political pressures, and a shift in corporate priorities towards other urgent challenges such as supply chain and cybersecurity risks. Despite these trends, the commitment to ESG principles remains strong among most companies, with some integrating ESG responsibilities into broader roles. Regulatory changes continue to influence the landscape, suggesting an ongoing, albeit modified, demand for ESG expertise in the future.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-esg-hiring-boom-is-starting-to-cool-2dd1e0de