The world of business is changing. More and more companies are looking beyond their bottom line to consider their impact on the environment, their communities, and the people in them. Here in the UK, this shift towards making a positive social impact has been growing for some time now - but what does it actually mean?
Becoming a conscious company is all about understanding how your decisions and activities impact people and the environment. This includes considering how your products and services affect the world, as well as how you source materials, treat employees and work with suppliers. There are many benefits to being a conscious company, but it can also be challenging. Let’s break down what it takes.
Introducing the concept of conscious business
Awareness of social impact is on the rise, and it could be an invaluable move towards positive change. With businesses attracting renewed criticism for their failings in relation to human rights issues, environmental destruction and encouraging diversity; conscious companies could help to navigate towards more ethical and socially responsible behaviour.
A conscious approach to day-to-day operations empowers people to take ownership of the influence they have on the shape of society and the environment, enabling them to make informed decisions which support sustainability. By rewarding sustainable development, businesses make it easier to adopt alternative models which can lead to changes in industry standards and help protect the planet from further harm. Ultimately, a shift towards a conscious approach will benefit society as well as our economy - allowing us to reap long-term gains from investing in environmentally responsible practices.
Every company has the potential to become part of the conscious business community and make a real difference. The Good Business Charter, an independent platform that sets sustainability standards for companies all over the country, is a great place to start. Joining the Charter not only shows existing customers that you care about creating a more responsible and stable future, but it is also a step towards qualifying for B Corp certification - an internationally recognised badge of socially conscious and ethical operation that will open up exciting new opportunities and take your relationships with customers to the next level.
The Good Business Charter
Becoming a conscious company can be a transformational experience, leading your company to become more socially and environmentally responsible. If you are new to this concept, then the Good Business charter is a great place to start. There are 10 essential rules to focus on if you want to be responsible, compassionate, and successful; whether it's committing to fairness in the workplace - regarding dignity, respect and trust - or focusing on making positive changes for both people and the planet, they have outlined the primary guidelines of what social responsibility looks like. It is definitely worth taking the time to explore these rules and start assessing how you might empower each one within your corporate culture.
The 10 components of the Good Business Charter
Real living wage Paying the real living wage does not just benefit employees – a growing body of research shows that paying workers more means businesses are rewarded with higher morale, productivity and loyalty. Simply put, it pays to do the right thing. In the end, everyone wins when companies pay employees fairly – resulting in motivated and engaged workers who will go above and beyond, while their staff have access to a greater standard of living which in turn generates healthier economic growth in local communities. The Real Living Wage is currently £10.90 across the UK, and slightly more in London, at £11.95. (Figures correct for 2022/23).
Fairer hours and contracts Guaranteeing fair work contracts is essential for any workplace that wants to attract and retain the best staff. Providing hours and schedules that are more consistent can give employees security in knowing when they can plan their lives outside of the workplace, as well as the stability required for financial planning. Including guaranteed hours in contracts allows employees to benefit from scheduled jobs without fear of having those hours stripped from them without warning, which has become all too common with the rise of zero-hours contracts in recent years. All of these measures create an environment of fairness towards workers.
Employee well-being A healthy, happy workplace leads to a productive and successful organisation. Providing clear, fair and transparent policies that support employee well-being is a great step towards making sure employees feel safe and appreciated. Policies should emphasise the importance of managing their own health and allow for reasonable and legitimate absences without hefty penalties or judgement. Banning unreasonable punishment for sickness not only encourages people to take care of their health but also shows respect to those putting in long hours at work while they may be dealing with something out of their control.
Employee representation Having representation that directly speaks on behalf of employee needs and wants can help bring about a feeling of value and collaboration throughout the company, creating what many would call a ‘win-win’ situation. With distinguished leadership, clear goals, and reliable communication, having another layer of representation around the boardroom table can provide diversity in thought and implementation of initiatives that help ensure success for the entire team.
Diversity and inclusion A mindful and diverse workforce produces better outcomes and encourages cultural competency. To ensure that companies are truly committed to fostering diversity, they need to be actively monitoring the diversity of their workforces, as well as closing gender, disability and ethnicity pay gaps.
Environmental responsibility Committing to an environmental policy helps demonstrate dedication towards reducing its environmental footprint, ultimately helping us leave a brighter future for generations to come. Taking on an environmental policy encourages us to continually look out for ways in which we can innovate, replenish resources as well as cut back on harmful emissions and waste.
Paying fair tax Paying fair tax is not only the legal responsibility of businesses but it is also a moral one. People, corporations and organisations should be doing the right thing when it comes to abiding by these laws, not engaging in sneaky measures to avoid them. They should commit to paying what is due and hire qualified experts or accountants to make sure that government obligations are fulfilled accurately and honestly. Doing so can ensure everyone pays their fair share so that our country can have sustainable public finances for community benefit.
Commitment to customers A company's commitment to its customers is a vital element for success and should not be taken lightly. It reflects the values and serves to provide assurance to customers that they can expect a certain level of service. Companies build trust by proving their devotion towards customer satisfaction.
Ethical sourcing Corporate Social Responsibility has become increasingly important in the modern market and many companies have adopted ethical sourcing practices to ensure their supply chains are as transparent as possible. By committing to the standards set out in the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, companies can ensure that their global suppliers adhere to recognised labour rights and safe working conditions. Not only is this a responsible business practice at its core, but it also demonstrates a company’s awareness of making a positive impact on society.
Prompt payment to suppliers As a business owner, making sure that suppliers are paid on time is a critical task. The Good Business Charter requires businesses to sign the government's Prompt Payment Code. In an ever-evolving global economy, this encourages a culture of mutual respect, trustworthiness and reliability - all key factors when forming successful partnerships in any sector or industry.
In conclusion, being a conscious company means operating with purpose, holding true to personal values, and committing to always act ethically. It is about creating workplaces where employees feel appreciated, valued and safe to take risks. It's also about using resources responsibly and taking collective action to create a more sustainable and just society. Being a conscious business is an ongoing process - one that requires effort on both the individual and organisational levels. Investing in the betterment of society will pay off not only through tangible results but also emotionally and spiritually. For both companies and customers alike, understanding the importance of purpose, values, and ethics is essential for creating lasting mutually-beneficial relationships grounded in respect.
Join The Conversation!
Whether you're a conscious company that has taken steps to ensure your business is sustainable, ethical, and responsible, or you are just starting out on your journey and looking for tips, then now is the time to join the conversation and share your experiences with us!
We want to hear about how your company is planning to make positive changes for the planet and its people, big or small. Leave a comment below, and join in the conversation – show us what you've been doing and help inspire others!
At Two Marketing, we value integrity and ethics above all else, which is why we are proud to be accredited by the Good Business Charter. With decades of experience in the creative industry alongside countless business owners, it's fair to say we’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when comes to business ethics and values. We felt a strong need to stand up and make a conscious effort to highlight our values
We understand that in order to gain the respect and trust of our customers, we must provide genuine value with any marketing campaigns conducted. This requires an honest and true approach when it comes to discussing consumer content as well as protecting user data against misuse. As a certified member of the Good Business Charter, this is exactly what Two Marketing strives for every day.
When it comes to finding the perfect marketing partner for your micro business or nonprofit, Two Marketing is your first choice. We are passionate about helping you grow and reach new heights while proactively developing an environment of values and ethics. Our team uses effective strategies that not only maximize your results but also make a positive social impact. Contact us today and find out how we can help you achieve success!