The challenge
Randstad has been committed to sustainability for many years — and takes it seriously. The organisation creates a positive impact through three pillars: promoting a fair labor market, fostering equity at work, and supporting the green transition. As the only HR service provider in the world, Randstad has been part of the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Best-in-Class World Index for ten consecutive years. It also achieves strong results in other benchmarks, such as EcoVadis, Sustainalytics, and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
But how do you ensure that — as a large international organisation — you stay sharp on emerging developments that can elevate your sustainability strategy and further embed it into the business? And how can performance be reported more clearly and transparently to meet the increasing complexity of ESG benchmarks?
That’s why Randstad engaged The Overview Effect. Not for lengthy reports, but for a strategic sparring partner — one that challenges assumptions, brings specialist expertise, and supports the team where it matters most.
The collaboration
Randstad partnered with The Overview Effect on both the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA, S&P Global / Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The approach was tailored to each track:
CSA (Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index): Coordination by Randstad, Content Coaching by The Overview Effect
Randstad led the process coordination, while our team supported with:
- Organising a kick-off session for all relevant topic owners
- Mid-process review of drafted responses
- Advice on short- and long-term (strategic) improvement areas
- Deep dives on four key topics with internal experts
- Ongoing availability for content-related questions
CDP: Project Leadership by The Overview Effect, Involvement from Randstad
The project management for the highly technical and content-heavy CDP was led by our team. We supported Randstad with:
- Gathering information through interviews
- Accurately and transparently completing the questionnaire
- Challenging internal assumptions and perspectives
- Crafting clearer, more effective responses
- Advising on long-term (strategic) improvements
The results
The collaboration with The Overview Effect not only ensured timely and complete submissions for both benchmarks but also led to lasting improvements in processes, reporting quality, and internal engagement:
1. On-Time Submission — and a Stronger Foundation for the Future
Thanks to clear planning and guidance from The Overview Effect, both the CDP and CSA submissions were completed in full and on time, despite the complexity of the content and the substantial amount of internal input required. By building in buffers and using targeted information requests, the time pressure remained manageable. Beyond this year’s deadlines, the team also focused on improving the process for the future, turning it into a continuous learning journey rather than an annual race against the clock.
2. Stronger, More Transparent Reporting
Together, we identified and implemented high-impact improvements — from clarifying wording and sharpening reporting structure to filling critical data gaps. The Overview Effect contributed best practices from other sectors and challenged internal perspectives. The result: more transparent, well-substantiated disclosures that not only met external benchmark expectations but also added value internally.
3. Broader Engagement and Deeper Insight Across the Team
Workshops and deep-dive sessions with topic owners expanded perspectives, sparked new insights, and increased ownership. In areas where colleagues initially saw limited relevance, external reflection helped shift mindsets and drive action. The result was not just stronger reporting, but more substantial internal alignment and engagement on sustainability across the organisation.
Why The Overview Effect?
- Small, pragmatic firm
- Fast communication lines
- Senior-level subject matter expertise
- Trusted collaboration from previous projects
“The collaboration feels both familiar and professional. Lena knows our organisation well, and both Stan and Lena were always available to answer questions and offer advice. They shared inspiring best practices and practical examples, actively contributed ideas, and consistently went the extra mile.”
— Sandra Swinkels, Senior Global Sustainability Specialist
Looking ahead
The Overview Effect continues to support Randstad on this journey as an expert, sparring partner, and guide.
