Board Stewardship and Human Capital Governance Survey

This report presents findings from the Board Stewardship and Human Capital Governance Survey, focusing on European boards' priorities and challenges regarding human capital and governance. It outlines that while financial performance monitoring remains a top priority, there is a significant need for boards to allocate more time to topics such as leadership succession, talent retention, and workforce planning. The report indicates that only one-third of boards feel confident in their oversight of human capital risks and the effectiveness of their discussions on workforce-related issues. Additionally, it highlights a disconnect between board priorities and actual time spent on strategic issues, with many boards recognizing the importance of addressing risks related to geopolitics, economic downturns, and cybersecurity. The findings also emphasize a shift towards more integrated ESG decision-making, driven by long-term value creation and ethical considerations, with a notable lack of confidence in areas such as nature and biodiversity governance.