With corporate responsibility and sustainability becoming increasingly vital, achieving B Corp Certification has emerged as a notable milestone for companies. Welchman Keen was able to achieve Singapore B Corp Certification in 2023 with Aaron Boyd's guidance (Welchman Keen’s Official Announcement), setting a benchmark for others in the tech realm. This article highlights why B Corp Certification matters in the tech industry and how Welchman Keen exemplifies this commitment.
Understanding B Corp Certification
B Corp certification serves as an essential differentiator in an increasingly conscientious marketplace. It demonstrates an organisation’s dedication to high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency.
B Corp Certification is particularly beneficial to tech companies as it signifies their commitment to balancing profit and purpose in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive environment. Certified B Corp tech companies can showcase their commitment to ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and positive community impact.
Rigorous Impact Assessment
Achieving B Corp Certification is, however, no small feat. The B Corp Certification Impact Assessment (BIA) is a rigorous process that requires meticulous responses to over 160 questions across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Companies are required to submit robust documentation and evidence to comprehensively substantiate their claims regarding social and environmental practices. This may include employee policies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and environmental impact reports. Each piece of documentation must demonstrate the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Following the submission of the BIA and supporting documents, B Lab conducts a thorough review and verification process. This step ensures that the information provided aligns with the standards set for B Corp certification. B Lab may engage in interviews and additional inquiries to confirm that the business meets the necessary criteria. For Welchman Keen, this rigorous process highlighted various strengths and areas for improvement:
Governance: The assessment underscored the importance of ethical decision-making and transparency. Welchman Keen has implemented robust governance structures that promote accountability and integrity at all levels of the organisation. This commitment to ethical standards fosters trust among stakeholders and ensures that the company operates with a clear moral compass.
Workers: Welchman Keen excelled significantly, achieving its highest score in this category. This outstanding performance is a testament to Aaron Boyd’s leadership and vision in establishing effective remote-first and flexible work arrangements. By prioritising employee well-being and advocating for fair labour practices, the company has cultivated a positive work environment that empowers its employees and enhances job satisfaction. This focus not only attracts top talent but also contributes to higher levels of employee engagement and retention.
Community: The assessment also highlighted Welchman Keen’s active engagement in community initiatives and its commitment to supporting local suppliers, such as some of the company’s projects in developing countries. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and communities, the company not only bolsters the regional economy but also strengthens community ties.
Environment: Welchman Keen has made significant strides in minimising its footprint through sustainable practices. The company’s virtual office guidelines outline various measures aimed at reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly approaches in its operations.
Customers: Welchman Keen has built a reputation for excellence by prioritising customer satisfaction and actively seeking feedback to enhance its offerings. As a company focused on developing business relations in emerging markets, Welchman Keen recognises the critical importance of establishing long-term trust with stakeholders. This foundational trust is pivotal in ensuring high standards of customer service and fostering enduring relationships with clients.
Achieving B Corp certification is not a one-time event but rather a commitment to continuous improvement. Certified B Corps are expected to uphold rigorous standards and maintain their practices to retain certification. To ensure compliance, B Corps must undergo a recertification process every three years. This involves re-evaluating their performance through the BIA and demonstrating any advancements or changes made since the last certification. This cycle of assessment and recertification thus helps ensure that B Corps remain leaders in promoting sustainable business practices.
Welchman Keen’s Commitment to Employees
One of the most significant aspects of Welchman Keen’s journey to B Corp Certification in Singapore was its impressive score in the employee's category. Aaron Boyd’s leadership in creating a remote-first and flex-time work environment has been instrumental. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also improves productivity. Key features of Welchman Keen’s approach with employees are as follows:
Flex-Time and Remote Work: Welchman Keen operates on a 100% flex-time basis, enabling employees to work from locations that best suit their individual needs. This approach is rooted in a deep understanding of employees' diverse circumstances and a dedication to practicality and inclusivity.
Employee Well-Being: The focus on flexible work arrangements has resulted in higher job satisfaction and productivity in Welchman Keen. For instance, single parents can carve out quality time for their children, while employees caring for aged parents or children with special needs can adjust their schedules to provide the necessary support. Additionally, global families benefit from the flexibility to manage multiple responsibilities across different time zones, ensuring a better work-life balance.
Open Communication: Effective communication is crucial in making flex-time and remote work a success, and this principle is one of the ground rules in Welchman Keen’s employee handbook. By fostering open dialogue and regular check-ins, Welchman Keen ensures that all team members feel connected and supported, regardless of their physical location. This holistic approach enhances individual performance and strengthens the team's overall cohesion, reinforcing the company's commitment to creating a positive and productive work environment.
Volunteerism: Employees are encouraged to engage in social causes, with at least 20 hours of volunteering required annually. Examples of volunteerism among staff are varied and impactful. Some employees have taken on roles as panel moderators in international seminars or guest writers, sharing their expertise and insights on global platforms. Others have actively supported faith-based community events, contributing their time and skills to initiatives that promote inclusivity and social cohesion. Additionally, employees have participated in environmental activities, such as B Lab Singapore's forest clean-up event, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Environmental and Social Impact
Despite being a small company, Welchman Keen is deeply committed to its core values of sustainable development and a commitment to helping communities. This commitment is demonstrated in the following ways:
Environmental Footprint: Welchman Keen has made remarkable strides in reducing its carbon footprint. In the 2021/22 period, the company saved between 1,371 kg (approximately half the weight of an elephant) and 2,217 kg (about twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse) of CO2 emissions, primarily due to employees working remotely and not commuting. This is due to the company’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility, which includes:
Energy Efficiency: Employees are encouraged to adopt energy-efficient practices at home, such as turning off lights, unplugging devices, and optimising heating and cooling systems.
Digital Responsibility: The guidelines promote the use of digital tools to minimise paper usage. Employees are urged to go paperless by utilising digital documentation, e-signatures, and cloud storage solutions.
Sustainable Procurement: Welchman Keen emphasises sourcing sustainable products for home office setups. Employees are encouraged to choose environmentally friendly office supplies and furniture from brands that prioritise sustainability.
Waste Reduction: The guidelines advocate for minimising waste in home offices. Employees are encouraged to recycle, properly dispose of materials, and share resources to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Community Engagement: In addition to committing half of its operating expenses to local suppliers and small businesses in Singapore, Welchman Keen ensures that its international projects are designed to benefit communities in developing countries. Whether through capacity-building workshops or sustainable development initiatives, the company makes conscious decisions to bridge inequality gaps and foster economic growth in underserved areas.
Diversity and Inclusion: Welchman Keen champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. A significant percentage of its global team identify as female, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Moreover, the introduction of flextime and remote work arrangements was driven by the need to address work-life balance challenges often faced by working mothers.
The Broader Implications for the Tech Industry
Setting a Precedent: By achieving Singapore B Corp Certification, Welchman Keen sets a significant precedent for other tech companies to follow. This certification illustrates that it is entirely possible to be both profitable and socially responsible. In an industry often criticised for its role in unsustainable development – due to resource-intensive supply chains and products – Welchman Keen’s commitment to advancing efforts that reduce global inequalities is particularly noteworthy. This leadership not only inspires other tech firms to adopt similar practices but also encourages a broader shift towards sustainable development within the sector.
Building Trust: B Corp Certification plays a crucial role in building trust with various stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the community. It serves as a reassurance that the company is dedicated to ethical practices, accountability and sustainability. This trust is essential for fostering long-term relationships with stakeholders, as it demonstrates that the company prioritises not just profits, but also the well-being of people and the planet.
Attracting Talent: In today’s competitive job market, top talent is increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise social and environmental responsibility. B Corp Certification can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining skilled professionals who seek meaningful work that aligns with their values. Employees are more likely to feel engaged and motivated when they know their employer is committed to making a positive impact. By positioning itself as a socially responsible organisation, Welchman Keen not only enhances its reputation but also builds a workforce that is passionate about contributing to a better world.
Conclusion
The B Corp Certification is more than just a label; it is a commitment to a higher standard of corporate responsibility. For tech companies like Welchman Keen, it represents a dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. Under Aaron Boyd’s stewardship, Welchman Keen’s achievement of Singapore B Corp Certification in 2023 underscores the importance of ethical practices, employee well-being, and sustainable growth. As more tech companies pursue this certification, the industry as a whole stands to benefit from increased trust, improved practices, and a stronger focus on purpose alongside profit.
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