Tips for Including Social Impact in Your Business
Employees today are looking to see how their companies are responsible and how they are making a positive impact, especially the younger workforce generations. Operating with business as usual with a sole focus on the bottom line is no longer an acceptable way to operate. With this focus, businesses are trying to find ways to incorporate more socially responsible decision-making. If your organization is looking to make this leap, consider these ways to include social impact into your business
Company Alignment
One key step is to align the cause with what matters to you, your company, and its priorities. Championing a cause that has no association or connection to your business can be confusing for your constituents and leave you with little impact or even a negative consequence. Consider what your company’s mission, purpose and vision are and who your constituents to narrow your choices. Without this alignment, your business may appear to solely be virtue signaling, for the sake of looking good with little positive impact.
Get Your Constituents on Board
Your choice of how you enact your social responsibility cannot be decided within a vacuum. Not only do you serve your company, but you also serve all of your constituents, including board members, employees and customers. Their support will be critical in the success or failure of your social impact. It is not just about letting people know that you are hoping to make the world a better place, but it is also about highlighting their role in this process and their impact.
True Impact Requires a True Commitment
If you are truly committed to the cause, you need to commit more than just words. Organizations dedicated to social responsibility must make the commitment through their actions, follow through and fiscal responsibility. This can come in the form of financial donations, giving your company’s time and discontinuing relationships with external partners who negatively impact the world. This commitment may impact your bottom line, but in the end, it shows that you are truly dedicated to positive social change. It is just important to publicly acknowledge your commitments, so spread the word and its impact by making your dedication and commitment public through your website or publication.
As human beings, we owe it to the communities around us, the world around us and to each other, a dedication to the greater good. It is our responsibility as business owners to use our resources, time, and efforts to help support that. Not only will this make us desirable to the next generation of employees and keep us relevant in a competitive professional sphere, but this is just the right thing to do.
