Does Your Business Reflect Your Values?

I heard the words corporate responsibility after about 3 years in business and wondered how it wasn’t in my vocabulary before!  Corporate responsibility is a growing trend among businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to mom-and-pop stores, and most businesses engage in the practice in an effort to improve society in whatever small (or large) way. The strategies vary, but often include approaches such as strategic (or philanthropic) community involvement, workplace practices, or supply chain management.

Corporate Responsibility in the World

One example of corporate responsibility is the prevalence of LEED certified buildings. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program dedicated to responsible planning and building. Construction typically creates an abundance of potentially harmful waste, and the buildings themselves can create a tremendous strain on the local power grid and water supply. By constructing their buildings in accordance with LEED standards, a company can actively demonstrate its concern for the welfare of the local community and the environment (look for the cute LEED stickers on the front of certified buildings).

Grocery markets such as MOM’s Organic Market (an east coast local) are also terrific examples of corporate responsibility. MOM’s is greatly concerned with sustainability, green power, and organic items, and goes out of their way to hire individuals who share these concerns. In addition to an entirely organic selection of produce, MOM’s also features a recycling center, where anyone can bring their old batteries, plastic, compost, and more, for proper recycling and disposal. That’s dedication – and it makes an undeniable impact.

In my earlier years as an accountant, and at Quincy CFO, I was just so focused on building a career and business! Maybe it’s because I’m older, but it’s easy to find opportunities to make a difference in the world, no matter how small. Through involvement in chambers, the ways to give back are available to me in new ways, and I now participate in events that give back to the community: packing food at Manna Food Bank, opening seasonal shelters for those in need, and serving as a mentor for a few organized groups.

Just Start Somewhere

If you’re interested in adopting responsible practices, try looking at your business’s mission and values statements. Do you have language about serving the community? Or protecting the environment? Or maybe treating employees particularly well? Think about the identity of your company, how you see the company, and ask yourself if your actions are reflecting these values. Chances are there’s a small – but important – place you can start changing the world.

Or just email me, and I’ll tell you about the cool stuff I’ve been doing: kelly.jennings@quincycfo.com.