Incorporating Corporate Responsibility into your operations means that you strive for a balance between the environmental, social, and economic performance of your business. It means that you commit to working with employees, community, and society at large to improve their quality of life.

Demonstrating your commitment to ethical practices
A Social Accountability System addresses the working conditions of your employees, incorporating widely accepted international labour rights. It is a way for retailers, brand companies, suppliers, and other organisations to maintain decent working conditions throughout the supply chain.

Implementing a Social Accountability System can give you an advantage as consumers are increasingly becoming ethical shoppers. They want to know that the products they buy have not been manufactured through exploitation of workers. Consequently, it can improve your relationship with non-governmental organisations, governments, and the public in general.

Putting your employees first
A clear commitment to social and ethical principles can also make you a more attractive employer, as employees are increasingly looking to go to work for companies with which they can identify. Letting your employees know that you care about their welfare can also increase your productivity. Loyal employees are committed employees.

What standards can you be certified to?
To get on the road to certification, you should begin by reading about the SA 8000 standard, which can help companies of all sizes address unfair and inhumane labour practices.