This is the value of becoming B Corp certified

In a world witnessing greater inequality and climate disasters than at any point in human history, it’s hard to get out of bed and do a job for just anyone. We all want to do work that not only pays well, but that does good. Genuine good. As Greenhouse is a certified B Corp, we’re celebrating B Corp month by releasing our staff survey results. Spoiler: we’re pretty pleased with ourselves. See what it’s like working here, as well as the value of becoming B Corp certified. And if you like what you see, join us.

B CORP CERTIFIED

As a purpose-led organisation that works for people and planet as well as profit, Greenhouse PR fits in naturally with B Corp companies. There are currently 270 UK businesses signed up to B Corp, a global network of sustainable companies, with more applying to join every day.

As well as being better for the environment, research from 2017 found that businesses certified as ‘B Corp’ grew 28 times faster than UK GDP. One third of certified companies also reported attracting new audiences since joining up, while almost half found that new staff had been enticed to apply for jobs specifically because of their B Corp certification.

The compelling business case and ethical value of becoming B Corp certified was what attracted Greenhouse to apply three years ago.

And as a B Corp company since 2017, we can confirm what it’s like working for a B Corp: we love it.

STAFF SURVEY

Our latest staff survey reveals that 100% of our employees feel inspired by our values and mission, and 100% agree that Greenhouse’s work positively impacts people’s lives and is dedicated to accelerating positive change.

As well as this humbling feedback, 100% of staff surveyed feel that their personal values are aligned with our own – and that they’re surrounded by people who share their values.

In short, we couldn’t be more encouraged by our work, our values, and our colleagues.

“Working for a company with clear, strong and positive values makes coming to work a dream and it’s a pleasure to always try and go above and beyond.

“I love that we not only help companies with an environmental mission, we also target the ones with the highest impact.

“I am 100% inspired by the values and mission of the company. They totally align with my own which is a huge motivator.

SHARED VALUES

It’s the common ethics and values of our employees that contribute most to the positive office culture, the recent survey reveals. An impressive 100% of staff not only state they have a “good working relationship” with co-workers, but that employees treat each other with respect – and that colleagues take the initiative to help others when the need arises.

With more clients coming to Greenhouse each week to tell their positive impact stories, it’s critical that we help each other out to succeed as we juggle our fast-growing work schedules.

“Everyone is working to the same goal and there is no competition.

“We’re all pulling in the same direction with aligned values and ultimately the same end goal in mind. Employees are therefore enthused by new tasks and even go above and beyond by supporting other, busier members of the team.

This cohesive environment and values-focused work also leads 100% of surveyed staff to “feel completely involved” in their work, with 91% agreeing this causes the day to go by quickly.

A total of 91% of staff even “get excited” about going to work, and are satisfied with the workplace flexibility offered by Greenhouse. In 2020, that’s a rarity. A separate CIPD study shows that two in three workers would like to work flexibly in a way that is not currently available.

It makes sense that wherever we work, we care about what we do, so we want to do it.

INSPIRED EMPLOYEES

It’s not just great working relationships between teams that we’re proud of, but those between senior and junior level staff too. Over 90% surveyed both “agree” or “strongly agree” that they have a good working relationship with their supervisor – and that communication between senior leaders and employees is good.

This open and relatively flat culture likely contributes to the trust between senior management and employees being considered very strong at Greenhouse, with 100% of staff agreeing it is positive.

“We are a strong unit and work together to solve and overcome challenges. I’m always amazed at everyone’s ability to think on their feet and act decisively in challenging situations – something that’s actively encouraged and supported by other members of the team. This is especially true in a media campaign situation. When everything changes on a sixpence there is a lot of fluidity.”

“Anyone who has a ‘lull’ in workload will, without hesitation, offer their time to others. This is such a fantastic culture to have at Greenhouse and it reflects the commitment everyone has to the inspiring work we do.”

“We’re given huge autonomy within our roles, while also maintaining a network of support, which empowers me to make effective and strategic decisions consistently.”

But however great an organisation and its work is, we all need to get paid. Thankfully, 91% of Greenhouse staff who took the survey say “strong job performance” is recognised. This aligns with B Corp’s declaration that purpose-led businesses must “create benefits for all stakeholders, not just shareholders”.

B CORP VALUES

In its certification declaration, the B Corp network envisions “a global economy that uses business as a force for good” listing the following values as core to a company’s strategy:

• We must be the change we seek in the world.
• All business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
• Through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
• To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.

It’s easy to see the value of becoming B Corp certified, so we urge you to begin the process of certification in 2020: the year of climate action.

And if you like the sound of our supportive, positive B Corp, we’re hiring. We’re scaling up to tackle the climate emergency and are looking for talented digital and communications managers who are looking to create positive change. Apply now.

“I couldn’t think of a better team to be working with!”

“Greenhouse is made up of a lovely, ambitious and inspiring group of people. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly.”

“It feels like a family.”

Greenhouse PR works with organisations and leaders who are pioneering climate action. Whether it’s food, fashion, finance or farming, if you’ve got a great story and need our help to tell it, get in touch with the Greenhouse team on 0117 214 1250 or email info@greenhousepr.co.uk.