If the title didn’t give it away, we are incredibly proud to say that we’re officially a Certified B Corporation®. But what does that really mean? How do you do it? And what are the positive impacts it can have on your business?
Achieving B Corp™ status is undoubtedly one of Digital Ethos’ biggest achievements that cements our commitment to the environment, diversity, inclusion, society and bringing more happiness and fulfilment into the daily lives of all at Digital Ethos. We wanted to be more than a business solely focused on generating profits. We wanted our business to be a force for good, positively impacting the planet and all who interact with us.
What Is B Corp™
Created in 2006, the concept of B-corp centres around the fact that a different kind of economy was not only possible but necessary — and that business could lead the way, meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
This progression is achieved through the creation of standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behaviour and culture around businesses and their focus on success. Through the creation of a community of like-minded businesses, we can stand up for the challenges facing society.
Becoming B Corp™ Certified
To become B Corp™ certified, companies must commit to and rank for, social and environmental performance. These positions are then measured, with a score of 80 or above required to receive certification.
The B Impact Assessment involves a series of questions that require you to explore many aspects of your business, some of which you may never even have thought of. The result is an internal SWOT analysis, which looks at your company policies, employee treatment and environmental impact, helping companies recognise where change is necessary.
How Did We Do It?
In order to achieve B Corp™ status, we had to make a fundamental shift from being a profit-led business to one driven by purpose, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and transparency on issues including:
- Improving Employee Work-Life Balance – This includes paid, professional therapy support, 15 days of paid leave for those grieving the loss of a loved one & 2 months of sabbatical to celebrate 5 years of service. Ultimately, we want to create a safe, inclusive and progressive workspace for our staff.
- Supporting The Local Community – Working with and supporting local charities.
- Protecting The Environment – As part of our wider sustainability goals, we have pledged to planting 50,000 trees annually through trusted partners like Eden Reforestation Projects and Earthly (check them out!)
As well as looking internally, we also had to explore the external. We had to take a close look at our clients, adjusting our focus toward those who work in positive sectors such as carbon offsetting and renewable energies while removing ourselves from sectors that cause harm, be it environmentally or to society.
What Does This Mean For You?
Our clients are one of the most important stakeholders in the business – this process is as much about the value offered to you as it is about our internal operations and processes. So, what can you benefit from?
- Being Transparent
We pride ourselves on being a transparent business. Reporting systems and the use of basecamp means data and information are always accessible – with B Corp, it’s no different- our B-corp assessment, scoring and all the details are there for anyone to see. You can understand exactly what type of agency that you are working with. - Building Trust
Every agency out there talks; we wanted to walk the walk. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards, with our B-corp certification cementing this commitment. - Having Empathy
More than ever, consumer decisions are driven by ethics and beliefs. They search for, invest in and buy from those companies who share their values. By working with a B Corp certified company, you ensure you work with an agency that understands and aligns itself with consumers and is doing its part to make a positive difference.
Here’s To A Brighter Future
Our ultimate goal is to continue to evolve, improve, and inspire others to do the same: it’s only once we all begin working towards a mutual goal that we can really make a change on a wider scale.
We are among a select few agencies across the country that have reached B Corp™ status. These rankings massively highlight a much-needed change within the industry. We hope we can be a leading example in creating the positive change we want to see.