Socially responsible companies, what are they really?
The primary objective of any company is to generate profits, mainly economic ones. A specific capital is invested in developing a product or service which is then sold at a higher price on the market. This is the basic way any company operates.
However, there are companies that strive to fulfil this mission in a way that does not negatively impact the environment, society, or the natural world. These are known as socially responsible companies.
Of course, being socially responsible is not a legal requirement, but rather each company decides whether or not to comply with the parameters it demands. But what exactly does it demand? Let's look at some examples below:
- Caring for the environment. Perhaps this is one of the first ideas that comes to mind when we talk about socially responsible companies. Recycling, the Energy saving Reducing pollution and waste generation are examples of actions a company committed to ecology can carry out. 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 each email, alongside the legal disclaimer text, a request not to print the message unless necessary, in order to reduce paper usage. And, in fact, it is in companies' interests for the public to know that they are committed to the environment.
- Caring for employees. A living wage, adherence to timetables and the Overall satisfaction of the work team These are some of the indicators that allow us to know if a company looks after its employees or not. Currently, there is widespread concern about the poor working conditions that many workers suffer, which is why any company wishing to be considered socially responsible must do everything possible to ensure its employees are satisfied and speak well of it externally. If you want yours to approach this profile, find out about solutions such as Flexible remuneration.
- Social work. There are different types of actions that can communicate a company's predisposition to contribute to social causes like world hunger or disease research. Carrying out monetary or object collections, running campaigns, or allocating a portion of profits to such causes is what will allow a company to be considered among the group of socially responsible businesses.
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, your work has finally been recognised. The entity has entered for the first time in its history the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In fact, it has positioned itself as one of the 27 most sustainable banking entities on the planet.
- DamnThe brewing company has invested heavily in environmental protection. In 2008, it created the Energy Optimisation Department, an area of the company dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint. And after a decade, it is bearing fruit. In 2018, it reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 2,600 tonnes at both its production and packaging plants. Furthermore, it has been working for years on an energy model that combines sales and self-consumption thanks to cogeneration, biogas, and solar photovoltaic 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 farm animal welfare organisation. Currently, more than 250 Spanish farms produce milk for Danone, and all of them comply with the necessary protocols that guarantee 100% of animal welfare and a more sustainable production model.
- Ebro FoodsThe leading 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 Indian farmers, as well as actively improving their crops to make them more efficient and sustainable.
- EroskiThe company is focused on policies that promote healthy lifestyles and good nutrition, particularly for children and adolescents. In this context, it develops the Educational Programme on Healthy Eating and Lifestyles, which seeks to raise students' awareness about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits from a very early age.
Edenred: socially responsible company
From Edenred We also contribute our part to building a better world.
- FOOD ProgrammeFOOD Programme: The main objective of the FOOD Programme is the offer and consumption of Balanced and healthy daily menus. As well as promoting healthy lifestyles that contribute to preventing 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 they have developed a joint initiative to combat the effects of 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 that will allow them buying healthy food and hygiene products.
These are just a few examples of how business contributes to the creation of a more just society and a more sustainable planet. Examples of how, thanks to the collaboration of companies and social stakeholders, we can build a better world for all.
