Every business venture is a part of a larger societal fabric. How your business interacts with its local community is, therefore, a matter of utmost importance. More so in the current world where social media has the power to sink or boost the reputation of a business in a heartbeat.

Nonetheless, the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions. Social responsibility initiatives and policies require a lot of tact. How much participation is too much? What does the community need? On top of which you have to be pragmatic and consider the interests of your business. Talk of an extreme sport.

If you are stumped about where to begin, here are some fundamental tips to get you started.

Environmental Responsibility

Manufacturing businesses are the most common culprit when it comes to environmental responsibility matters. If you are in that line of business, it may be time for a self-audit on the environmental impact of your operations. Taking up safe environmental practices is often touted as expensive and anti-profit. Yet, on the contrary, if you invest in safe practices you will save your business much more in the long run.

Some changes you can make include:

Managing Smoke Emissions

Smoke emissions degrade the quality of air in the immediate environment. They are harmful not just to the community but also to your employees. This is why a significant number of factory workers and surrounding communities suffer from lung disease. Consider incorporating carbon sequestration techniques and substituting some of your inputs with alternatives that are more environmentally friendly. 

System Maintenance

If you operate a pipeline system it is incumbent upon you to protect the local community from spills and similar dangers. To this end, be diligent about maintaining your supply lines and responding to any faults with urgency. It is also advisable to have a quick shut off mechanism that can be used to cut off flow during such mishaps. This can be achieved by installing a top entry union ball valve in each pipeline.

Safe Waste Disposal

Studies indicate that industrial towns have a dismally low quality of water. This is largely due to the improper and unsafe disposal of factory waste. It would be helpful to bring on board a waste disposal expert to advise you on how to transition to better means of waste management. It does your business no favors to replicate the kind of misfortunes witnessed in Flint, Michigan.

Apprenticeship and Mentorship Programs

When you empower members of your local business community their purchasing power grows which expands your consumer base. Gainful employment in society also reduces crime rates which is essential for a conducive environment. Suffice to say, it is a gratifying symbiotic relationship for all parties involved.

An apprenticeship program can be developed for any line of business. You could begin by offering a few slots for young people that are interested in your business to come and learn the ropes. It would be ideal for high school students about to transition to college. Where possible it would be a kind touch to offer scholarships to those in the program that require financial aid for higher learning.

Unlike apprenticeship, mentorship can take on a more wholesome approach striding both life and career issues. Further, mentorship programs can accommodate a wider age group depending on your firm’s preference. You could, for example, take on career mentorship for young adults in foster care or choose to focus on college students. Your input in either scenario would be of great benefit. 

Supporting Local Community Initiatives

At the peak of the Coronavirus in mid-2020, most healthcare workers had no place to call home. After long shifts saving lives, they would sleep in their cars or motels wary about returning home and infecting their loved ones. In response, Airbnb partnered with hosts to start providing doctors and nurses safe, comfortable isolated refuge. 

This is just one example of how a business can step in to support local community initiatives. There are numerous other ways that you can adapt to the same spirit in your business. It could be by donating masks, digging boreholes, or even funding local charities. The goal is to stand in solidarity with your local community through trying times.

Social Engagement 

Social participation initiatives can only develop on the strength of open engagement channels. Plus, here is a business secret you might be overlooking, interacting with your customers is a great avenue for marketing your products. It is simply the best win-win deal of all time. 

As has been evidenced by this year riddled with lockdowns and social distancing, digital presence is king. Consider using social media channels to keep your business accessible to the public. That said, it is imperative that you invest in a highly skilled brand management team as consumers are quite unforgiving of insensitive brand errors.

You could also use your social influence on the communication platforms to influence positive agendas. Aim for neutral initiatives that are factual and apolitical. An apt example would be the campaigns by various brands encouraging everyone to wear masks and sanitize. 

Conclusion

Owning a business of being a company employee is just one part of your identity. At the end of the day when the lanyards come off, we are all members of a shared society. This is why no contribution can be worth more than partnering with your community to make it the best it can be.