What are the key traits of a B-Corporation?

All of these fast companies are making moves. Some of these businesses have key traits in common. The current growing business trend is moving towards a sustainable economy with a social conscience; or sense of awareness on improving the collective global economy. Some companies choose to accelerate with environmentally friendly technology and materials; while others prefer to address issues such as poverty, fair wages or equitable educational levels. B-Corps are using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. That said, there are some work environment implications. 

What are the characteristics of a B-corporation?

“To be considered a B-corporation, you must get certified through “bcorporation.net.” These certified B corporations are businesses the meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.”

It begins with the premise that society’s almost intractable problems cannot be solved by one single entity alone. The collective effort must involve government, nonprofits and corporations working together to reduce inequality, achieve lower levels of poverty, grow a healthier environment, build stronger communities with high-quality jobs that have dignity with a sense of purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end; positive impact for the employees, communities and the environment. No one wants a Flint, Michigan disaster situation in their backyard that adversely affects the well-being of parents and children alike.

What are the guiding principles of B-corporations?

“As B-Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:

• That we must be the change we seek in the world.
• That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
• That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
• To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.”

These companies are going beyond product and service level certification. B-Corp Certification is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. It is called the B Impact Assessment. This assessment evaluates how your company’s operations and business model impact your workers, community and environment and customers. This flows form supply chain to supply materials to charitable giving and employee benefits. The B-Corp Certification proves your business is meeting the highest standards of verified environment-friendly performance.

What are the benefits?

• Forces businesses to make improvements with a social and environmental impact.
• Fosters a better business community network that wants to enhance eco-friendly vendor and supplier relationships.
• Promotes an undeniable attraction of millennials to your talent pool.

Here are some important B-corp statistics:

• 43% more likely to pay the majority of th employee health insurance.
• 16% outperform other businesses on addressing climate change.
• 88% more likely to allow flex-time schedules.

Interesting? Do you see the connection with personal behaviors and preferences? You can clearly see how young millennials like this kind of work environment. If you are interested in a start-up or want to help your existing business make an environmentally friendly change, go to https://bcorporaton.net. Make a difference today while making a profit and improving the planet. Examples of B-Corporations are Beautycounter, Patagonia, Cascade Engineering and others. By the way, as of February 21st, there is a FREE Cleansing Balm for any purchase over $150. It’s like a “clean” version of the petroleum jelly we all grew up on. Use it all over your skin. Get it!