Professional services firms have long been valued for their expertise and reliability. But the landscape is shifting. Clients and talent alike are raising the bar, expecting greater transparency, DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) commitments, and a clear sense of purpose. The firms that rise to this challenge will shape the future of the sector.
We recently hosted a Seismic Breakfast Briefing, bringing together ESG leaders from professional services to unpack what a future-fit, sustainable firm really looks like. Here, we share the key takeaways and strategies discussed on the day and what they mean for the future of the sector.
Why Change Can’t Wait
The need for transformation in professional services is no longer just a moral or reputational issue. It is a business imperative.
- Client loyalty is on the decline. In 2025, only 33% of clients are returning to their previous suppliers, a stark drop from 60% in 2020. Despite the quality of work remaining high, clients are now prioritising values, transparency, and long-term impact.
- The next generation of talent is purpose-driven. Two-thirds of millennials and Gen Z say they would take a pay cut to work at an organisation that prioritises sustainability. Culture and purpose now matter as much as salary and title.
- Sustainability drives performance. In a recent IBM survey of 5,000 global executives, 75% said their sustainability initiatives led directly to revenue growth. Businesses leading on ESG were 52% more likely to outperform competitors on profitability and 56% more likely to attract top talent.
The evidence is undeniable: firms that integrate sustainability into the heart of their operations are better placed to thrive in a changing world.
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
At Seismic, we often talk about the shift from reactive to proactive sustainability. This theme echoed strongly throughout the event. Too many firms still treat ESG as a compliance exercise, focusing on policies and paperwork rather than opportunity and innovation.
What does it look like to go further?
- Embed sustainability into decision-making: This means not just tracking emissions or meeting minimum DEI targets but aligning ESG with commercial strategy, from client services to recruitment, procurement to pricing.
- Build the business case. Whether speaking to sceptical stakeholders or conservative clients, data remains a powerful tool. ROI, retention, and recruitment can all be used to show how sustainability fuels business success.
- Take a phased approach. Many firms are daunted by the scale of change. We discussed how phased or tiered approaches can make ESG goals more achievable, breaking transformation into manageable, measurable steps.
Upskill the whole team. Everyone in the business, from senior partners to new joiners, needs to understand the why and the how of sustainability. This requires not just value alignment but also training, tools, and tangible actions.
Engaging the Sceptics
One of the most valuable parts of the session was hearing how firms are overcoming internal barriers. Sustainability advocates often face pushback from stakeholders who are either overwhelmed, unconvinced, or unsure where to start.
Some key insights shared:
- Tailor the message. For some, the moral case works. For others, it’s all about financial return or risk mitigation. Whatever the driver, sustainability champions must learn to speak their stakeholders’ language.
- Empower others. Change doesn’t happen in silos. Firms making the most progress are those fostering shared responsibility across departments, enabling individuals at every level to lead and contribute.
What to Focus On
So, where should firms in professional services concentrate their efforts?
- Regulatory Compliance
A growing wave of ESG legislation is coming, and fast. From mandatory disclosures to due diligence laws, staying ahead of regulation is essential. - Supply Chain Transparency
Active collaboration with ethical suppliers is a competitive advantage. Clients and employees alike want to know who you work with and what they stand for. - DEI Commitments
Given the people-centric nature of professional services, social mobility is a vital focus. Businesses should implement initiatives that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion.
What’s Next?
Professional services firms are ready to lead. But leadership in this new era looks different. It’s collaborative, transparent, and committed to long-term thinking.
If you’re looking to accelerate your journey, we’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming events:
- How to B Corp: A practical guide to becoming a certified B Corporation.
- Navigating Your Carbon & Net Zero Journey: Understand, measure and reduce your carbon impact.
- Professional Services Digital Breakfast: Explore how digital innovation can support sustainability in your sector.
