Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important. Consumers are paying more attention to where and how the products they’re purchasing are made, and doing their research to align themselves with companies who are committed to their communities. In a 2014 survey done by global marketing research firm, Nielson, 55% of online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to CSR.
As consumers continue to pay more attention to where they’re making their purchases and how companies are contributing to CSR, companies are increasingly incorporating CSR into their day-to-day business.
One of Bison’s valued clients, IKEA, has established a code of conduct called the IWAY Standard to ensure all of its suppliers of products and services are meeting their minimum requirements for environment, social, and working conditions. IKEA audits all of its suppliers –including Bison Transport – against a set of rigorous standards they’ve set out for all those they do business with. The standard is based on social and environmental issues – such as working conditions and environmental impact – both on a local and global scale. If suppliers fail to meet this standard – or fail to take action where improvements need to be made – IKEA will cease business with them.
Each year, IKEA audits all of those involved in their supply chain to ensure everyone they work with is meeting the IWAY Standard, which is based on three guiding principles:
The in-depth audit evaluates IKEA suppliers’ policies and procedures surrounding business ethics, waste, worker health and safety, working hours, wages and benefits, discrimination, harassment and abuse, and more. Suppliers must provide supporting documentation on processes related to each of these areas. Auditors also visit all of their suppliers’ facilities to inspect cleanliness, worker happiness, and more.
IKEA’s auditors then provide suppliers with a ‘report card’ detailing if there are any areas needing improvement. If these improvements are not made to IKEA’s standards, a supplier can risk the termination of the business relationship.
It’s companies like IKEA that are putting CSR at the forefront and helping to raise both consumer and supplier awareness. IKEA takes it even one step further by ensuring that all of the companies they work with in their supply chain are also adhering to their guiding principles regarding social and environmental issues.
At Bison, we’re proud to work with companies like IKEA who help us drive our mission – of empowering our people, enabling our customers and elevating our business – forward.
Learn about how Bison focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility and how that can impact your business. Click below to contact member of our sales team.
