There is a misconception out there that sustainability is all about the environment and that it is a ‘nice to have’ rather than core to how a business should operate.  At Ideas Shop we know this opinion is wrong, and have long taken a broader view of sustainability.

Business sustainability is first and foremost about sound business practice.  Then it’s about incorporating good economic, social, environment and employment principals into the everyday way your business operates. 

At Ideas Shop we offer flexible working, staff have their birthdays off, we donate to charity and do pro bono work for causes we are passionate about – just to name a few.   

 Being evangelists for good business practice, we now want to help other businesses understand what sustainability is and how it makes good business sense. That’s why today we’re launching our Sustainable Business Practice survey in association with Chartered Accountants BDO Spicers.

 The more that businesses understand that there are simple, practical steps to improving the profitability of their business, but also be better for the environment, the community and their staff, the more uptake there will be for living and working sustainably.

Simple steps such as switching off lights or letting your staff that are parents reduce their work hours during school holidays are a simple way to start the journey.

We found that 95 percent of small and medium-sized businesses undertake at least one of seven environment measures with at least half offering staff at least one option for working flexibly. 93 percent of small and medium-sized businesses undertake at least one charitable activity. 

However, in 25 percent of cases, businesses wanted to do more but didn’t know where to start.

The pleasing finding of the research is that 95 percent of businesses are already on the journey. Now we just need to help educate and inform all business of what more they can do, which will also see them, their people, communities and environment reap the benefits. 

Click here for a full copy of the research findings.

dan [at] ideasshop [dot] co [dot] nz (Email me to talk sustainability.)

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