In our previous B Corp blog post, we discussed the Workers Impact area of the B Corp Impact Assessment, highlighting our unwavering commitment to our team. This time, we delve into the B Corp Community Pillar. Where we scored against 36 questions, showcasing our commitment to building and supporting thriving communities. While we have achieved high scores in certain areas, there are always opportunities for improvement. Let’s explore some key aspects that make up the Community Pillar.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our company is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations.
We make it a point to include a statement on commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in every job posting. To highlights our dedication to creating a workplace that is welcoming to all.
To ensure that we are providing fair and unbiased evaluations, we conduct anonymous “blind” reviews of all applications and resumes. We also use anonymous surveys to gather data on race, ethnicity, gender, and age. Which helps us identify areas where we can improve.
Our goal is to create a workplace that is truly inclusive and supportive of all employees.
Female Workers
We understand the significance of gender diversity and are committed to achieving equal representation in our workforce, especially in an industry that has been predominantly male.
Presently, approximately 30% of our non-managerial staff are women, and we take pride in this accomplishment. However, we are constantly striving to foster an inclusive environment that promotes greater female involvement at all levels of our organisation.
Economic Impact
In the last year, our company has witnessed an impressive surge in job opportunities. With a remarkable Job growth rate of +25% for both full-time and part-time positions. These newly created jobs adhere to the principle of paying a living wage, ensuring the economic well-being of our employees.
Not Accredited Investor Ownership
Within Eight Days a Week, only 10-24% of the company’s ownership belongs to individuals who would qualify as non-accredited investors. This distribution allows for a diverse range of perspectives and prevents undue concentration of power.
Local Sourcing
We prioritise contributing to our local economy by sourcing goods and services within our country of operations. A substantial 80% or more of our Cost of Goods Sold (including value-adding activities) is spent on in-country registered companies or national citizens, fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses.
Local Purchasing and Hiring Policies
To further strengthen our commitment to the community, we have implemented various local purchasing and hiring policies. These include ready-to-use lists of preferred local suppliers and vendors for specific facilities, as well as incentives for our staff to reside within a 20-mile radius of our company’s local facilities. By prioritising local connections, we enhance community engagement and sustainability.
Civil Engagement & Giving
Our commitment to creating a better world extends far beyond our own frontdoor. Through active civic engagement, we strive to make a positive impact on society as a whole. We invest in our communities, pushing for policies that promote social and environmental progress. By partnering with charitable organisations and supporting local initiatives, we’re proud to play a role in building a brighter future for all.
Our MD, Lance Hill leads from the front, generously giving his time and expertise as a board member on the IPIA council and The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) board. Not only that, but he also passionately supports The Printing Charity. There is no hiding Lance’s passion for the Mail and Print Industry, it’s no wonder he attended Number 10 Downing Street to advocate for the industry.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
We understand that driving meaningful change requires collaboration and engagement with stakeholders, including competitors. Over the past two years, we have actively worked alongside industry players to develop cooperative initiatives aimed at establishing relevant social and environmental standards within our field. Additionally, we contribute data and expertise to academic research on social and environmental topics, while also participating in panel presentations and public forums to foster dialogue and awareness.
Supply Chain Management
Our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices extends to our supply chain management.
Supplier Screen Topics
We take a proactive approach to supplier selection, formally screening for social and environmental practices and performance. Good governance, including ethics and anti-corruption policies, is a priority, along with positive practices that go beyond regulatory requirements, such as environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes and excellent labour practices. Additionally, we prioritise suppliers with third-party certifications related to positive social and/or environmental performance.
Supplier Evaluation Practices
While we share our policies and rules with suppliers, we are actively working towards implementing a verification process. We also require suppliers to complete an assessment designed to evaluate their social and environmental impact, ensuring alignment with our values and goals.
Length of Supplier Relationships
At Eight Days a Week, we value long-term partnerships with our suppliers. Our average supplier relationship tenure exceeds 60 months, demonstrating mutual trust and shared commitment. Additionally, around 60% of our suppliers are purpose-driven or have obtained third-party certifications or approval, further aligning with our sustainability objectives.
Our B Corp Community Impact Area Summary
As we reflect on our performance in the Community Pillar of the B Corp Impact Assessment. We acknowledge areas of strength and areas that present opportunities for growth.
We remain committed to building strong communities by fostering diversity, supporting economic growth, engaging in civic initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing ethical supply chain practices. While we have made significant strides in areas such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, female workforce representation, and local sourcing, we recognise that there is always room for improvement.
We understand the importance of continuously assessing and refining our practices to drive positive social and environmental outcomes. Our partnerships with charitable and community organisations, advocacy for improved policies, and collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders demonstrate our dedication to creating meaningful change beyond our organisation.
As we move forward, we will continue to prioritise supplier screening and evaluation to ensure that our suppliers align with our values and contribute to sustainability efforts. We will also work towards formalising our supplier verification process and strengthening our relationships with purpose-driven suppliers.
At Eight Days a Week, we believe that building strong communities is a collective effort. We are proud to be a part of the B Corp community, where like-minded businesses come together to create a positive impact on society.
