Global Corporate Survey 2021: EHS Budgets, Priorities And Tech Preferences
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Executive Summary
This report helps EHS executives benchmark their firms’ budgets, investment priorities, technology preferences and COVID-19 responses relative to their global peer group. The data collected through the Verdantix survey also support strategic decision-making and business planning by executives at EHS consulting and technology providers. The 2021 version of the annual global Verdantix EHS survey spanned 31 countries and 25 industries. Of these respondents, 74% represented firms with revenues greater than $1 billion and 66% held role titles of director or above. Respondent data reveal volatile EHS spend in the past 12 months; however, broader EHS responsibilities resulting from COVID-19, ESG and employee wellbeing looks set to increase budgets for many. EHS technology investment will grow across the digital landscape with a particular focus on mobile apps, EHS analytics and environmental sensors.Global EHS Survey Reveals The Changing Scope Of EHS
Annual Global Survey Features Over 300 EHS Executives Across Industries
EHS Initiatives Have Risen Up The Corporate Agenda
EHS Functions Are Tasked With Meeting A New Suite Of Goals
Corporate ESG Initiatives Are Influencing EHS Reporting And Software Usage
Mental Health Is An Emergent Trend Set To Broaden The Scope Of EHS Duties
The Broadening Scope Of EHS Is Contributing To Elevated Budgets
Substantial Budget Increases In The Past Year Are Set To Continue During The Next 12 Months
EHS Software Is Adapting To Cater To An Expanding Breadth Of Customer Needs
EHS Processes Are Managed Across A Diverse Range Of Systems, Stalling Digitization
Emerging EHS Use Cases Will Present Continued Growth Prospects For Software Providers
Firms Are Expanding Their Use Of Digital Technologies Beyond Mobile Applications, Analytics And Sensors
Two Technologies Emerge As Front Runners For Budget Increases In 2022
Figure 2. Geographic Location Of Respondents
Figure 3. EHS Function Priorities Over The Next Two Years
Figure 4. Divisions Grouped Within EHS Functions
Figure 5. Impact Of COVID-19 On Long-Term Strategies
Figure 6. The Role Of EHS In Supporting ESG Initiatives
Figure 7. Increasing Responsibility Over Mental Health And Wellbeing Initiatives
Figure 8. Mental Health And Wellbeing Management Responsibility
Figure 9. Challenges To Improving Mental Health And Wellbeing Management
Figure 10. Change In EHS Spend Over The Past 12 Months
Figure 11. Change In EHS Spend In The Next 12 Months
Figure 12. Change In Spend Across EHS Categories In 2022
Figure 13. Solution Type Utilization Rates
Figure 14. Digitization Of EHS Processes
Figure 15. Adoption Of Software By EHS Processes In 2022
Figure 16-1. EHS Software Market: 2022 Investment Plans (Respondents Currently Using Software)
Figure 16-2. EHS Software Market: 2022 Investment Plans (Respondents Currently Not Using Software)
Figure 17. Adoption Of Digital Technologies In 2022
Figure 18. Investment In Digital Technologies In 2022
About the Authors

Chris Sayers
Senior Manager
Chris is a Senior Manager at Verdantix. His current research agenda targets enterprise AI integration and adoption, AI market trends and agentic AI. Chris joined Verdantix in …
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Bill Pennington
VP Research
Bill is VP Research at Verdantix, where he leads analysis on the evolving and interconnected landscapes of EHS, quality, AI and enterprise risk management. His research helps …
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