CSR and the Job Hunt: Just A Different Measure of Success – A blog by Aman Singh

Last week I discussed how new graduating classes are prioritizing corporate responsibility in their job search. Citing an inter-generational study I am conducting with recent graduates focusing on sustainability in their job search, here’s what I wrote:

“These graduates, who represent a diversity of professional experience and industries—and ages–unanimously admit that a company’s commitment to CSR is a top priority for them. If you’re thinking they’re being too idealistic, think again. As they go through their job search, these graduates are aware of reality: There remains a wide disconnect between companies and colleges regarding the importance of CSR as a skill set. Despite this, they are continuing to plug ahead.”

People clearly felt strongly about the post and several cared enough to write in with their comments and perspectives; a testament to the buzz corporate responsibility is creating in the marketplace for job seekers as well as working professionals. They all presented insightful perspectives, all worth exploring. One such commentator was Ruhi Shamim, who wrote at length about the obvious disengagement between new graduating classes and employers’ priorities in CSR. I encouraged her to put her thoughts into a blog post because in many ways, her argument hits at the heart of the debate surrounding the job market. She said, “Companies must realize how key messages in business education are shifting, in order to bridge the gap between senior level employees and the “new” more socially-inspired bunch, and create a comfortable, efficient, and productive work culture.”

continue reading.

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Focusing on the Benefits of Sustainability

In a recent Environmental leader article, Robert Stavins (Director Harvard Environmental Economics Program) explains the role economics will play in the pending climate legislation formation.  He describes how benefits and costs will determine the eventual outcome of upcoming climate policy.  This analysis has many companies watching and waiting for direction rather than implementing proactive sustainable business strategies. 

At Taiga Company, we believe the benefits of properly applied business sustainability concepts far outweigh the implementation costs or any negative impacts of the upcoming legislation.  Our small business resources are currently working with clients to focus their attention on the business sustainability benefits that directly apply to an organization’s unique situation. 
 
In working with clients, we often come across businesses and individuals waiting on legislation to shape their future action.  While a more passive approach, our sustainability consulting chooses to focus on the immediate and long-term benefits as a motivating factor. 
 
According to a recent Aberdeen Group study, The ROI of Sustainability: Making the Business Case, top performing organizations view sustainability as a “must have” strategy for long term business viability and success.  The top benefit drivers for business sustainability implementation identified in the study include: click here to continue reading. 

Home to one third of the earth’s trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company’s vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the “oxygen for your business”.

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Be part of Slow Money’s Second National Gathering June 9-11

It’s been called a movement. It’s been called a revolution. Business Week even called it one of the 10 big ideas for 2010.

Be part of it!

Come to Shelburne Farms, Vermont for Slow Money’s Second National Gathering June 9-11.
 
“We need Slow Money fast.”
— Mardi Mellon, Director, Union of Concerned Scientists 
 
“Tremendously important and timely.”
–Wayne Silby, Founder, Calvert Social Investment Fund
 
“Truly one of the best events ever.”
–Mark Dowie, Prize-winning journalist
 
“These gatherings are life changing. Welcome to a revolution!”
–Paul Tryba, THE FARM, Long Beach, CA
 
“Slow Money gets right to the heart of everything that’s ailing our economy and corroding our culture.”
-Kerry Trueman, Huffington Post 
 
Don’t delay. Register today.

About Slow Money

Slow Money is a new nonprofit organizing an international movement to bring money back down to earth.

Founded by Woody Tasch, a pioneer in merging investing and philanthropy, Slow Money’s mission is to build local and national networks, and develop new financial products and services, dedicated to:

• investing in small food enterprises and local food systems;

• connecting investors to their local economies; and,

• building the nurture capital industry. 

“Together, we are building a strong, new voice for the wisdom of bringing our money home to build sustainable communities.” Judy Wicks

 About Vital Systems

What each us chooses to eat or feed others may be the most powerful personal action we can exercise each day.

Vital Systems focuses on integrating both triple top and triple bottom lines so we can create holistic economies based on healthy food systems through responsible investing, business practices, and an engaged citizenry. 
 
The concept of Triple Top Line positively frames an educated and involved citizenry engaged in dignified work by integrating internal management practices and external community engagement. This supports employees and community members who are, in turn, supported by investors intent on driving a regenerative economy. Triple bottom line refers to the rigor of life cycle assessment in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. The combination of these perceptions creates a powerful, iterative system that produces sustainable food systems and communities and regenerates economies from the top down and bottom up.
 
Since January 2010, Vital Systems has facilitated Slow Money Northern California Region to bring our money “back down to earth” so that everyone has access to good food, health, and food security. 

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Do You Have a Zumbox?

Businesses and individuals across the country are looking for ways to cut costs during these challenging economic times.  Equally important is the growing desire for businesses and individuals to bring eco awareness into their daily lives.  The one thing we touch every day is paper.  Paper and paperboard products constitute the largest portion of our waste stream.  Reducing our paper use presents the opportunity to reduce the waste flowing into landfills and save trees at the same time. 

A solution we site in our professional consulting is Zumbox.  Zumbox is the first all-digital online alternative to the traditional paper postal service, and if you have a street address, you can already start using it.   Note, Zumbox is not email.  It is based on permanent street addresses.   
 
Zumbox is a great small business resource.  It offers a variety of tools to make sending mail of any format type (HTML, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, CRM, and PostScript) to a variety of audiences a breeze.   In addition, you can store contact information, transfer content and recipient lists via Zumbox’s secure FTP, and use the printer driver to send mail right from accounting software.
 
As we state in our sustainability consulting with clients, reducing paper has its benefits:
 
Click here to continue reading. 

Home to one third of the earth’s trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company’s vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the “oxygen for your business”.

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily