Embracing social impact
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Posted: Tue 22nd Apr 2025
Managing social impact is a key component of developing a robust sustainability strategy. People are your greatest asset, and those businesses that take a net positive approach will maximise human capital and secure a competitive advantage.
Wylde’s latest eBook, Achieving Positive Social Impact Through Sustainable Practice, provides a practical guide to embedding the S in ESG (economic, social and governance). Learn how to embrace best practices and scale up your sustainability interventions for the benefit of all.
Being sustainable is about far more than reducing your environmental footprint. Many businesses undervalue the S in ESG, and so we have produced a five-step guide to embedding social responsibility into your day-to-day operations. From prioritising staff wellbeing to supporting local community projects, this eBook helps businesses accelerate their sustainability journey through social stewardship.
At its core, social sustainability is about identifying and managing a company’s impact, both positive and negative, on people. This includes employees, customers, suppliers and the broader community.
This eBook introduces a five-step framework to help organisations use social interventions to demonstrate and showcase their broader sustainability credentials:
1. Supporting internal stakeholders
Businesses are encouraged to start with their workforce by fostering inclusive workplaces, offering fair remuneration and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
We hear about how commercial cleaning company, Calabash, is changing mindsets with its people-first approach. From signing up to the real Living Wage to avoiding zero-hours contracts, the business is helping future proof operations by attracting and retaining the best talent.
2. Socially responsible supply chains
Beyond internal stakeholders, organisations must scrutinise their supply chains to ensure ethical practices. We provide tips for conducting audits, collaborating with suppliers and creating robust codes of conduct. These measures help businesses align their values across their operations while addressing key global challenges like modern slavery.
3. Supporting good causes
Here we outline how businesses can amplify their social impact by partnering with charities and social enterprises. Practical guidance is offered on forming long-term partnerships, involving employees in volunteer activities and tracking the outcomes of these initiatives to integrate them into ESG reporting. We hear how Wylde clients are empowering their staff to volunteer for social projects aligned with their expertise, vision and values.
4. Stakeholder engagement
Engagement is key to understanding the needs and concerns of internal and external stakeholders. As part of their sustainability efforts, businesses should conduct materiality assessments and involve stakeholders in designing impactful strategies. We share top tips on effective engagement, from developing staff sustainability questionnaires to collaborating with suppliers.
5. Better by design
Social sustainability extends to the products and services businesses offer. Wylde encourages organisations to assess their outputs through a sustainability lens, identifying opportunities for redesign to minimise negative impacts and maximise positive outcomes. We use the example of TDP, which manufactures furniture from 100% recycled plastic and is continually exploring ways of ensuring that its products have a positive social as well as environmental impact.
Where to find the guide
Click the image below to download it.
