A company with a big heart and good citizenry shows its customers that it is a company that cares, that is not just there for the profit. This in turn breeds trust and loyalty in customers. A successful company will have in place socially responsible and transparent values for each of their stakeholders including employees, customers and investors.
Social responsibility is the suggestion that we, as either individuals or in business, have an obligation to act for the benefit of society. A business that prioritises social responsibility will not only succeed, it will win.
Pursuing value over cost
Every business owner wants to keep their overheads down, it just makes good business sense, but it’s easy to get so caught up in spending the least amount of money possible that you can lose sight of the bigger picture.
In many cases spending MORE money initially is the smarter strategy. Inefficient solutions COST money. Whether it be in your supply chain, or more immediately, in your office. Buying cheap, inferior technology or discounted office furniture that just doesn’t suit your needs not only costs you more in the long run, it’s also bad news for the environment.
Sustainability is a hot button issue in business today, by investing in quality solutions for your business simply by spending a little more money upfront you will not only save yourself money in the future but you will also save energy and reduce wastage, both of which are a great help to the environment and society at large.
Supporting indigenous business
By working in genuine partnership with Indigenous Australians, growing Indigenous representation in your supplier chain, and continuing to purchase from, and support, the growth of Indigenous businesses you help to close the gap and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Environmental consciousness
In recent years businesses have had to become more accountable for their impact on the environment. This includes transparency surrounding carbon footprints and a willingness to take a more “green” approach to business. While these moves are of course great for the environment they’re also a huge boost to the reputation of the business making them.
Some of the world’s largest corporations have made huge strides in this area and are setting a great example for other businesses. Google have invested in wind power and Apple have begun manufacturing completely recyclable toxin-free computer products.
While that’s great for businesses the size of Google and Apple there’s no reason a smaller business can’t make a difference in its own way. There are a few simple ways to become more “green” in business, including recycling anything and everything that can be recycled, becoming more energy efficient (saving yourself money in the process), and considering sustainability when making important purchases for your business.
Dedicate yourself to exceeding the expectations of your customer and demonstrate your commitment to positive action for society, including being respectful, transparent, trustworthy, positive and courageous in all your business dealings and It will pay off tenfold. Trust will be established, thereby fostering a culture of positivity that benefits all.
The decisions made by any business can have a lasting impact on the world around us. This is why it is so important that good standards are set as they become the guidelines looked to whenever a decision is to be made.
Belinda Lyone, General Manager, COS Working Spaces
