The Sustainable Business
Sustainability is a word that’s bandied around a lot at present, with talk of sustainable processes, sustainable fashion, sustainable food and sustainable lifestyles.
Dictionaries define the word sustainable as ‘the ability to maintain at a certain level or to be upheld or defended.’
A great deal of emphasis is put on sustainability for the planet, and rightfully so. Holding our collective attention in this direction is important for making a positive global impact and healing our planet from the ravages of consumerism.
At Grant Jones we also understand the importance of sustainable practices within the internal structure of a business. Whether you’re at a micro or macro level you need to have sustainability at the heart of how your business runs.
Let’s take a look at the areas this covers.
Sustainable working practices
Running your own business as a solopreneur or as an employer with a team around you, the mission should be the same: ensuring the way you and your people manage your time, energy and working environment is sustainable.
Longevity can only be achieved when you have the energy to keep going. No matter what size your business is, the most sustainable way to create longevity is through clear and adaptable systems and procedures and great team collaboration. The clearer you are with how things work in your business, the better equipped and able your team will be to support each other and implement your working practices.
Sustainable business models
If there’s one thing we’ve all been learning recently, it’s how crucial resilience is when the unexpected happens! The world of business has been challenged in so many ways of late, showing us that if we’re not set up to weather the storm, then our ships may well leak, if not sink.
It’s vital for the sustainability of every business, big or small, that forward planning is part of your skillset, and you have a contingency in place. Grant-Jones make it a practice to help our clients with the planning for times when the unexpected happens. Revisiting these often helps our clients prepare in advance and adjust easily if things need to change.
Sustainable for your people
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, your people are the greatest asset your business has. You can have the best product or service known to man, but if your people aren’t treated with respect and care, then your business will not be sustainable.
If you don’t really know what the culture of your business is, it’s time to learn, and learn fast! Because if it’s not working, you must change it. The simple truth is when people are treated with respect and when their individual needs are understood and met, they feel like they’re valued, and their work reflects that.
Make sure the expectations you have of your team are realistic and sustainable in the long-term. It’s your professional duty to take their physical and mental well-being into consideration.
Sustainable for the planet
It is absolutely vital that all businesses take an active role to uphold the sustainability of the planet. Small and large actions can be taken to avoid pushing our planet to the brink overload, and many can be implemented into our business plans.
There are many opportunities available to implement sustainable practices in your business that help the environment and our global community – from a move away from plastics to offsetting your carbon by planting trees. The Council for Sustainable Business has plans for companies to commit to impactful change in their working practices. Collectively, we can all make a huge impact to cleaning up our environment.
At Grant-Jones we see it as our ethical responsibility to positively impact the wider world. We focus on making an impact both locally and globally with the work we do, which is why we teamed up with B1G1 and became a ‘Business for Good’. Through B1G1 we can do great work for some of the most disadvantaged communities around the world every time we work with a client.
The long and short of it is, if you want your business to be here for the long haul, you must ensure you implement sustainable practices in every area of your business.
If you want your business model to be future-proof and sustainable, we’re here to help. Contact us today and find out how we can best support you.
