What do we mean by socially responsible companies? This term is often used when talking about ethics and corporate responsibility, but it implies much more than complying with the law and moral principles of consumption.
In this post we are going to look in detail at what being socially responsible means for a company and we will reveal which were the most socially responsible companies in 2019.
Socially responsible companies - what are they really?
The primary objective of any company is to generate profits, mainly financial. A certain amount of capital is invested in developing a product or service, which is then sold at a higher price on the market. This is the basic form of operation of any company.
However, there are companies that take care to fulfil this mission in a way that does not have a negative impact on their surroundings, society or the environment. They are called socially responsible companies.
Of course, being socially responsible is not a legal imperative, but it is up to each company to decide whether or not to comply with the parameters it requires. But what exactly does it require? Here are some examples:
- Caring for the environment. This is perhaps one of the first ideas that comes to mind when we talk about socially responsible companies. Recycling, recycling energy savings or the reduction of pollution and waste generation are examples of actions that can be carried out by a company committed to ecology. In general, these types of measures can be perceived by anyone who comes into contact with the company. For example, it is common to include in the footer of every e-mail, next to the legal notice text, a request not to print the message unless necessary, in order to reduce the use of paper. And indeed, it is in the interest of companies to let the public know that they are committed to the environment.
- Caring for employees. A living wage, adherence to timetables and the overall team satisfaction are some of the indicators of whether or not a company takes care of its employees. There is currently widespread concern about the poor working conditions suffered by many workers, so a company that wants to be considered socially responsible must do everything possible to ensure that its employees are satisfied and speak well of it externally. If you want to bring yours closer to that profile, find out about solutions such as the flexible remuneration.
- Social work. There are different types of actions that can communicate to the public a company's predisposition to contribute to social purposes such as world hunger or research into different diseases. Collecting money or objects, carrying out campaigns or allocating part of its profits to this type of purpose is what will allow a company to be considered as a socially responsible company.
Which were the best socially responsible companies in 2019 in Spain
Here are some of the best socially responsible companies in 2019 in Spain.
- BankinterAfter several years of effort and commitment to the environment, its work has finally been recognised. For the first time in its history, the organisation has entered the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the 27 most sustainable banks on the planet.
- DamnThe brewing company has made a strong commitment to environmental protection. In 2008 it created the Energy Optimisation Department, a part of the company aimed at reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint. And after a decade, it is paying off. In 2018 it reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 2,600 tonnes in both its production and packaging plants. It has also been working for years on an energy model that combines sales and self-consumption thanks to cogeneration, biogas and photovoltaic solar energy technologies.
- DanoneDanone has developed a Animal Welfare Protocol own. However, such a protocol has been developed jointly with Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), the world's leading organisation for animal welfare on farms. There are currently more than 250 Spanish farms producing milk for Danone, all of which comply with the necessary protocols that guarantee 100% animal welfare and a more sustainable production model.
- Ebro FoodsEKTA: The first food company in Spain is developing the EKTA project in India. This project has been working for five years to improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers in India, as well as actively improving their crops to make them more efficient and sustainable.
- EroskiThe company is focused on policies that promote healthy lifestyle habits and healthy eating, especially for children and adolescents. In this context, it develops the Food and Healthy Lifestyles Education Programme, which seeks to raise awareness among students about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits from a very early age.
Edenred: socially responsible company
From Edenred we also do our bit to help build a better world.
- FOOD ProgrammeFOOD Programme: The main objective of the FOOD Programme is the offer and consumption of balanced and healthy menus on a daily basis. As well as the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to the prevention of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
- Solidarity Aid CardsAs a consequence of the terrible pandemic unleashed by COVID-19, Edenred and Action Against Hunger have developed a joint action to fight the effects of the coronavirus. Thanks to the Solidarity Aid Cards, you can now convert Ticket Restaurant in donations to help families hit by the COVID-19 crisis and which will enable them to buying healthy food and hygiene products.
These are just a few examples of how business contributes to the creation of a fairer society and a more sustainable planet. Examples of how, thanks to the collaboration of companies and social agents, we can build a better world for everyone.
