By putting employees and workers first, companies can not only navigate the evolving [ESG] landscape but also lead in making a positive impact across community well-being, climate change, democracy, and much more that we all need during these challenging times.
Monthly views on the future of responsible business
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
Hi there,
One month in, do you already feel like you’re being pulled in two different directions in 2024?
If you help lead your company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) programs, that feeling sometimes feels like a part of the job description.
The truth is that maintaining broad alignment between our companies’ core CSR and ESG pillars and rapidly developing domestic and international causes requires patience, focus, and a commitment to staying informed.
That’s where Vantage comes in. Read by thousands of CSR professionals, Vantage is a newsletter on the future of responsible business from Deed. Every month, you’ll get curated industry news and media, insightful commentary, exclusive event invitations, updates from the cutting edge of social impact technology, and more.
If you’re a current subscriber, thank you! Would you mind forwarding this to a colleague to help grow our community? And if you’re reading this for the first time, check out the Vantagearchive and subscribe now.
Let’s make a greater collective impact this year!
New E.U. law requires companies to back up all sustainability claims
In January, the European Parliament cracked down on misleading uses of words like “natural,” “recycled,” “environmentally friendly,” and “climate neutral” in marketing. The first-of-its-kind regulation now heads to the European Council, where experts expect it to swiftly pass into law. “We will step away from throwaway culture, make marketing more transparent and fight premature obsolescence of goods. People will be able to choose products that are more durable, repairable and sustainable thanks to reliable labels and advertisements,” said rapporteur Dr. Biljana Borzan. Read what implications the new law will have for companies with a footprint in Europe in ESG Today.
Report: 76 percent of S&P companies link executive pay to ESG
An eye-popping new study from Willis Towers Watson shows that more than two-thirds of the Standard & Poor’s 500 companies “used at least one metric for environmental, social and governance [ESG] performance when creating executive incentive plans” in 2023. This is on trend with the broader market, where, over the past three years, the number of U.S. companies linking ESG to compensation has jumped from 12 percent to 44 percent. Why? WTW cites new regulations planned or already in effect in Europe, California, and the rest of the U.S. via the Securities and Exchange Commission. Learn more about how ESG regulatory pressure is changing global markets.
The key to a lively employee resource group (ERG)
That electric workplace culture we all crave won’t create itself. From Airbnb to lululemon, the world’s most inspired teams create momentum by making targeted investments in programs and technology that will build genuine, lasting relationships and communities in their workplaces. Consider these five strategic investments you can make to boost engagement in ERGs.
Pro tip: Make the most of your social impact data
Dashboards help data-driven social impact leaders make faster, smarter decisions. But how do you make sure your dashboard includes the right information to help you answer your unique business questions? In the latest from our "Data For Good" series, Christine Tringale explores best practices for crafting a year-end impact dashboard your team will love. Read it here.
Year-End Impact Reports
Are you working tirelessly to turn your organization’s many 2023 social impact efforts—from big, blockbuster company-wide campaigns to local fundraisers and volunteer days—into an effective, compelling narrative?
We know how much time you’ve put into your many, many donation and volunteering spreadsheets. But Deed’s year-end impact reports are so good-looking, intuitive, and comprehensive that you won’t even miss that perfect pivot table.
The Airbnb Community Fund, supporting 120+ nonprofits around the world, will distribute $100 million to communities over 10 years. Deed is proud to support Airbnb in all their social impact efforts. Learn more about this inspiring initiative.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC is the world's leading disaster relief nonprofit organization. Their annual Emergency Watchlist offers an assessment of the countries or regions at greatest risk of new and worsening humanitarian emergencies. Deed is proud to encourage our community to support the life-saving work of the IRC. Read the watchlist closely to help plan your company's efforts.
o9 Solutions
The first-ever o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant has been awarded to Indian nonprofit Make A Difference supporting its new initiative, “Empowering India's Children: Tech-Enabled Progression Mentoring.” Deed is proud to support o9 solutions in all their social impact efforts, from workplace giving and volunteering to the Digital Tomorrow Grant program.
Get involved
Deed’s Black History Monthemployee engagement toolkitincludes hand-crafted nonprofit recommendations, volunteer opportunities, ERG event ideas, and more. Our goal is to help you make it fun, easy, and rewarding for your employees to share their time, money, and skills with causes that matter to them.
Thank you for reading Vantage. We want this monthly newsletter to be of real value to everyone working to make a real social impact. If there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about, or if there’s someone pushing the conversation forward whose work deserves more attention, we’d love to hear about it. Drop us a note: vantage [@] joindeed [dot] com.
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