It seems that the word sustainability is tossed around frequently and rather loosely these days. While it may have different meanings for different people, sustainability is really the combination and integration of economic, social and environmental factors. It is really about the way we, as humans, and nature can co-exist in unity. So what does this mean for your company? Businesses have begun embracing what some call the three pillars of sustainability. These include people (social), planet (environment) and profit (economic). Here is some additional information about each one and your company, especially at the startup stage can incorporate them.
People
Many companies often overlook one aspect of business: The importance of investing in employees. Some major downfalls for companies include poor employee productivity as well as frequent turnover. Employees can be your greatest assets, so taking the time to really invest in them is critical. The social pillar of sustainability prescribes that employees receive proper training, and are rewarded for their performance. An employee who is recognized for his or her achievements is more likely to try and repeat their performance and even improve on it. An employee who is properly trained will be able to better find solutions to problems and fulfill their responsibilities. Helping employees achieve a proper work-life balance is also very important, and can help prevent burnout and dissatisfaction down the road. This social-focused pillar also champions the importance of being involved in the community with various programs.
Planet
It is interesting how often we ignore the importance of giving back to our environment and helping to protect it. Companies might think that it is difficult to create and stick to programs that help the environment, but the truth is there are some pretty simple things they can do to make and impact. Things like employee recycling programs, volunteer projects where teams can participate in various sustainable projects and choosing vendors whose practices are easy on the environment can both help the planet and boost morale. There are things that can be done in your physical facility to lessen your footprint on the environment like energy efficient lighting and water conservation. If you have a mindset that you want to do your part for the environment, there are several ideas that you can come up with and implement.
Profit
To achieve economic sustainability, the tried and true practice of living within your means is key. Especially as a startup, every penny counts. There are certain things you can do without, and avoiding being extravagant can keep your company solvent and successful for years to come. Also, many of the things you can do from a people and plant perspective can end up positively affecting your bottom line. As you pay attention to keeping your business sustainable, success will likely follow.
At AlphaGraphics in Dallas, we always have sustainability on our minds. We offer efficient printing services with equipment, practices, and materials that are friendly to the environment. Give us a call today and let us tell you about how we can help your sustainability efforts.