The typical business model is that businesses exist first and foremost to generate profits, and any social responsibilities come after that. While that model may continue to work for a while, there has been a shift lately towards balancing the two priorities, with the latter gaining traction among consumers. Being an ethical company is proving to be increasingly important, so what do you need to do to make sure you are one?

Diversity

A lot of attention has been directed towards diversity and inclusivity in business and the workplace. Diversity can be a great opportunity for businesses if allowed to be. A diverse workplace can benefit from having a wider range of thoughts and ideas that come naturally as a result of widely varied lived experiences. If your business doesn’t have many employees, it may feel like you don’t have a lot of opportunities to allow for diversity in the workplace. According to Tilford Law, you can still encourage it by making sure you are non-discriminatory with your customers and clients.

Sustainability

There’s been a growing concern for the environment as people become more aware of the seriousness of climate change. Customers are pushing for businesses to place a greater emphasis on sustainability in their business practices as a result. There are a few ways you can approach this as a business. According to Avetta, the right supply chain management software can help companies meet sustainability goals. Taking steps to reduce the waste your business produces and conserve more energy can also help you be more sustainable as a business.

A Commitment to Integrity

Ultimately, consumers want to feel confident that the businesses they are supporting are good. While there is a difference between ethics and morals, according to Key Differences, they often relate to one another. To that end, having a commitment to integrity as a business means you’re committed to being honest and to the moral values you’ve chosen to espouse. You should be honest and trustworthy as a business, accountable for your actions, and committed to truth. Those commitments can help you in your efforts to become a more ethical company.

Being an ethical company in 2021 is a matter of both good business sense and moral responsibility. Committing to diversity, sustainability, and integrity are all crucial components of being an ethical company. While far from exhaustive, they suggest that you’re a company that values people, the environment, and moral uprightness. Ultimately, it helps you commit to doing good and being good.

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