Social

Social sustainability is about people

The social aspect of ESG focuses on people – on how the company fosters well-being, safety, and development. The “S” is a crucial factor for the company’s culture, reputation, and long-term growth. A strong internal foundation with engaged employees is the key to sustainable change.

According to the VSME standard, you must report on the following social areas:

1. Employee rights and working conditions

Number of employees (FTE)
Geographic distribution of employees
Health and safety in the workplace

2. Equality and diversity

Gender diversity in the workplace
Pay and agreements

3. Education and training

Employee education and development

4. Human rights

Compliance with human rights throughout the supply chain
Measures against child labour, forced labour, and other human rights violations

5. Community and society

Engagement and contributions to the local community
Social projects and sponsorships

Read more about the “S” in ESG here.

Strengthen the social foundation of the company

In ESG365, you can work with a range of reporting areas – while also identifying your own sustainability initiatives inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Videnshuset Cabi also offers useful inspiration for working with the “S” in your ESG report. You can, for example, explore:

Broad recruitment of unemployed people
Retention of employees
A healthy and safe work environment
Collaboration with the local community
Social considerations in procurement

Dive deeper into your S-data

You can advantageously supplement your S-data with reflections and descriptions that provide a more detailed insight into the company. Some of the indicators you can work with in your report include:

Absence due to illness
Workplace accidents
Gender diversity

For each indicator, consider:

What does the data show?
Has there been a positive or negative development – and why?
Do the results call for new initiatives?

Source: Virksomhedsguiden.dk

Let the UN Sustainable Development Goals inspire your social initiatives

In addition to the reporting points in the VSME standard, the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be a valuable source of inspiration – particularly for the company’s social initiatives.

By linking your ESG report to relevant SDGs, you can make the report more individual and clearly reflect your company and its vision.

Read more about thee SDGs here: Sustainable Development Goals