6 questions to help your workplace create social value

Before we explore how your workplace can create social value, firstly we want to explain, what exactly is social value? 

In case you missed it, we’ve previously written about social value and how your workplace can help your community.  To quickly recap for you: social value is about adding a positive and long-lasting impact that benefit our communities. 

So, when we ask about social value, we’re asking how can you create good opportunities in and outside of your workplace? 

What’s right for your business? 

Let’s start by looking at your workplace. Before you set your social value goals it’s worth evaluating what’s feasible for your business. 

Social value goals will differ depending on the size and nature of your organisation. For instance, larger companies will have more resources at their disposal compared to smaller enterprises. There are also different areas of social value you can focus on. 

Broadly speaking, social value covers three core areas: economic, social and environmental wellbeing. 

It’s also worth talking with your team and asking what areas they’d like to focus on. Your team are more likely to get behind causes and changes that are important to them. 

What opportunities are in your workplace? 

Speaking of your team, every member plays a key role when creating social value opportunities. 

What opportunities is your workplace currently offering? 

Investing in employee development is a great way to create social value. It helps your employees build their skillset and gives you a stronger workforce.  

Also, it’s worth looking into your hiring process too. Using our cost-free recruitment services, you can access candidates from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences that can enrich your business. 

For more hiring tips, we’ve previously written about how to recruit candidates in a changing labour market.  

Are you creating a positive workplace culture? 

While hiring people and giving them opportunities to grow and develop is important, you also need to consider the day-to-day of your workplace. 

There are various areas you can focus on here, such as your diversity and inclusion policies. You want to have practices in place that ensure equal opportunities for all employees. 

Plus make sure your team know that you’re prioritising their well-being. Did you know you can offer cost-free mental health support to your team? The Access to Work Mental Health Support Service can help you sustain a happy and healthy workforce.  

By creating and nurturing a positive workplace, you’re creating a strong team. This can help boost morale and productivity, while also lowering your turnover rates.  

How do you support your local community? 

The impact of your workplace extends beyond your team and your organisation. What about helping your local community? 

Volunteering is a popular route employers follow to create social value. It enables your team to get involved with local causes they want to support. 

While supporting your local community is incredibly worthwhile, it may feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Which areas of the community need your help the most? How can your business effectively support people?  

This is where our Community Partnership Network (CPN) can help you, help others.  

Joining the CPN can help connect your business with jobseekers who have faced barriers entering the workplace. It can also offer you a space where you can join forums and network to discover how your business can effectively offer local support. 

How does your business spend money? 

Funding and investing in local projects help boosting your local community too. Are there opportunities where your business can invest locally?  

Our CPN allows small and medium enterprises, community and voluntary organisations funding to deliver their vital services. You can read more about the impact of our CPN. 

You could also source products or services from local suppliers. Explore ways your organisation can support small businesses – this can create a positive ripple effect across the community. 

Also, focusing back on social value in your workplace, it’s also important to review your salary structures – are there any pay gaps? You should be aiming to create an equal workplace for all of your employees.  

Are you environmentally friendly? 

Finally, we wanted to explore how your business is impacting the environment?  

You can commit to creating sustainable practices. If you’re looking for inspiration with this, you could take a leaf from our Max Green network.  

 Max Green was set up by the Environment Steering Committee to help us on our journey to become Carbon Positive by 2030. Our key commitments include:  

• Co-creating a CTP Carbon Reduction Plan with our supply chain partners  
• Net Zero by 2030 
• Provide learning resources to partners  
• Environmental campaigns  
• Two days paid volunteering per annum 
• Mandatory Environmental Awareness Training  

 By sharing knowledge and raising awareness with your team, you can create sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. Small changes can make a big difference.  

 If you want to find out more about social value, we’re here to help. Reach out to one of our friendly team today, and we can help you, help your community.