Business World Magazine

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Dear Reader(s),      We started out a mere 12 or so weeks ago, introducing ourselves over electronic threads, coming together as only online students can. It was here we thought about how corporations disseminate information and pondered how they present to the world both inside and out. We researched, read, met, and talked about the who, what, when, where and how more times than there are fingers or toes to count. Through the assignments, work, family, and the life juggling we all found ourselves in.... we created this. Read our stories....follow our journey. To the next semester.....                                                                        

Cheers! E-Zine Group 2 Fall 2022

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By: Michelle Richards

Figure 1. VectorMine (Illustrator). CSR or corporate social responsibility thinking explanation outline concept. (Vector refectory illustration), Retrieved November 13, 2022, from: Adobe Stock.

The days of corporate philanthropy in response to the moral failings of society through the lens of Christian belief have given way to stakeholder engagement and environmental conservation regarding corporate social responsibility. As society evolves it is imperative that companies shift their corporate social responsibility along with new perceptions. Customers might have responded positively to religious based charity without considering the individual company’s business practices, but that is not the case today. The needs of the consumer have gravitated away from religious undertones and towards global development, a new type of consciousness. Companies now must consider how their business practices effect the consumer and the environment. Familiar corporations like Macy’s, YMCA, and IBM shaped the way corporate social responsibility is today. They have evolved along with their customers ever changing concerns to ensure their customers’ loyalty.

In the late eighteenth century companies took it upon themselves to invest in philanthropic ventures that aligned with Christian beliefs to improve the lives of others without expecting anything in return. The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), founded in London in 1844 and later the entire U.S., was the epitome of corporate social responsibility spurred by the Christian belief system. The YMCA was founded to instill values in young men far from home and living in morally questionable locales. (Tan, n.d) The YMCA gave young men an opportunity to fill their day with engaging activities that involved religious engagement as well as physical movement. This prevented many men from falling into a career of crime and kept them off the streets. The surrounding communities realized the benefit of the YMCA and their donations are what helped spread the program internationally. Eventually, the YMCA’s curriculum drifted away from Business World Magazine | 1

Figure 2. Tartila (Illustrator). Charity for homeless. Cartoon humanitarian help and support for poor people, social charity and volunteer community concept. (Vector refectory illustration), Retrieved November 13, 2022, from: Adobe Stock.

specific demographics to include women and people of different religious backgrounds. The executives at YMCA adapted their corporate social responsibility to a new diverse culture that needed a program with inclusivity. Similarly, Macy’s donated money to an orphan asylum between 1875 and 1887 while labeling their contributions as miscellaneous expenses in their accounting books. (Heald, 1970) Macy’s aligned their corporate social responsibility with the Christian belief that people of God will care for orphans. Soon urbanization and industrialization changed the way society behaved, which steered away from religious values. Macy’s moved with this change and shifted their corporate social responsibility to economic sustainability rather than philanthropy. It was a smart move for Macy’s because eco-friendly retail practices align better with their overall business plan. The future of Corporate social responsibility will continue to evolve as society changes and values different principles. Beyond just principles, companies need to adapt to the latest technological advances and incorporate them into their corporate social responsibility tactics. The emergence of artificial intelligence, global climate change, and the need of consumer engagement are all new challenges that companies must adapt to. Companies like IBM are investing the future workers by funding their education directly in a program called P-Tech. It is like a vocational college except students can enroll at grade 9 and do not have to pay for the program (P-Tech). IBM’s strategy might not directly benefit them in short-term, but their efforts will surely be noticed by their customers. This strategy ensures customer engagement which is

an emerging demand among consumers. Customer engagement is important because it keeps the brand in the forefront of the consumer’s mind. While employing people does not directly translate to consuming the product, it does help increase brand awareness. Time will tell how companies in the future will utilize these new corporate social responsibility tactics in response to the environmentally cautious and constantly engaged society.

Figure 3. VectorMine (Illustrator). Business social responsibility illustration. (Vector refectory illustration), Retrieved November 13, 2022, from: Adobe Stock.

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Heald, M. (1970). The social responsibilities of business: company and community 1900–1960. United States of America: Pr. of Case Western Reserve Univ. Tan, D. W. (n.d.). For youth development for Healthy Living for Social Responsibility. the Y. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from http://www.mfldymca.org/about_us/history_ national.php#:~:text=Our%20History%20%2D%20A%20Brief%20History, (roughly%201750%20to%201850). Latapí Agudelo, M.A., Jóhannsdóttir, L. & Davídsdóttir, B. A literature review of the history and evolution of corporate social responsibility. Int J Corporate Soc Responsibility 4, 1 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40991-018-0039-y Tech schools provide experience in growing fields. P-Tech. (2022, April 4). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.ptech.org/

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By: Wesley Medestomas

Figure 1. 10 Most Socially Responsible Company Brands to Model (Bright, 2022)

A company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) must be more than just hollow words; it should be business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. More importantly, if a company stay true to its CSR, it can be a driving factor to its success. There are many companies that manufacture products and goods, but not nearly enough create a positive impact on the environment. Unfortunately, most companies and a negative impact on the environment when producing goods. When companies focus on a positive impact towards the environment, and incorporate into to their manufacturing process, the results can be beneficial to all, especially the consumer. The world needs products, and we must support those companies that simply strive to do better. A Primary example is the office and home furniture company Humanscale

Corporation. They strive to create sustainable and Net Positive home and office products and has introduced a line of task chairs made from recycled fishing nets. Assembled in Fresno, CA and New Jersey, NY, manufacturing of these products uses about two pounds of recycled fishing nets. The Smart Ocean Task Chair is the first task chair in this sustainable line and launched in 2018. Humanscale becomes the first company ever to offer any product certified as climate, energy and water positive. To qualify for this, each individual product is audited across twenty sustainability categories such as climate, waste, water and more. Within each category, the product must measurably give back more than it takes. Humanscale designs and manufactures its products with the environment in mind, and its shows through the many awards the company has received (Figure 3). Business World Magazine | 4

their goals. Recently, Allbirds and Adidas has formed an alliance creating the worlds lowest carbon footprint running shoe. As the business marketing environment continues to evolve so are companies and their CSR statements and commitments (Figure 4).

Figure 2. Loggerhead turtle trapped in an abandoned net in the Mediterranean sea (Hamburg, 2019)

Amongst some of the most impressive accolades that come with the certification for humanscale: achieving a minimum of a 90% waste diversion rate for all global factories; 100% of the product's manufacturing water is supplied by onsite captured rainwater; and 15 of the certified products derive 105% of their energy in production from renewable energy produced onsite on a net annual basis. Another company that also incorporates a great sustainability strategy is Allbirds, a footwear and clothing manufacturer that has a bold ambition on climate change. Allbirds’ sustainability strategy centers on three strategic priorities: Regenerative Agriculture, Renewable Materials, and Responsible Energy, and is underpinned by ten specific, quantitative targets. With these targets, they plan to cut their carbon emissions in half by the end of 2025 per unit of product produced, while continuing to be a carbon neutral business as they have been since 2019. Allbirds is another company that believe in the importance of demonstrating near term progress and laying out a clear path to achieve

Due to companies incorporating their CSR initiatives into their business models, consumers now have more choices on which companies they choose to support. Not only is this good for the environment (and profits), statistics and research show that today’s consumer is socially conscious. Research from GreenPrint found that nearly 80% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product labeled as environmentally friendly, with 77% of those surveyed saying they are concerned about the environmental impact of products they buy. A separate study from IBM found that ​on average, 70% of purpose-driven shoppers pay an added premium of at least 35% more per upfront cost for sustainable purchases, such as recycled or eco-friendly goods.

Figure 3. Allbirds+Adidas Worlds lowest Carbon Footprint running Shoe (Alger, 2021)

Figure 2. Smart Ocean Chair by Neils Diffrient (Staff, 2021)

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Alger, K. (2021, May 12). Allbirds and Adidas have made the world's lowest carbon footprint running shoe. WIRED UK. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.wired.co.uk/article/adidas-allbirds-futurecraft-footprint Allbirds. (2021, September 10). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1625161698/marketing pages/Allbirds_Sustainability_Report_2020.pdf Bright, A. (2022, October 12). The 10 most socially responsible companies & brands to model (2022). Grow Ensemble. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://growensemble.com/socially-responsible-companies/ Hambling, D. (2019, November 6). Huge amounts of abandoned fishing gear litter the world's oceans. New Scientist. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2222516-huge-amounts-of-abandoned-fishing-gear-litterthe-worlds-oceans/ Humanscale. (2021, July 15). Humanscale's Liberty Ocean Chair joins Smart Ocean as the first task chairs made from recycled fishing nets. Humanscale's Liberty Ocean Chair Joins Smart Ocean as the First Task Chairs Made from Recycled Fishing Nets. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/humanscales-liberty-ocean-chair-joins-smartocean-as-the-first-task-chairs-made-from-recycled-fishing-nets-301334290.html Morrison, S. (2022). How to be socially responsible and make a profit. business.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.business.com/articles/can-you-make-a-profit-and-besocially-responsible/ Staff, D. (2021, May 16). Smart Ocean Chair by Niels Different for Humanscale. Dezeen. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2021/05/13/smart-ocean-chair-humanscaledezeen-showroom/

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By: Miranda Wells

Figure 1. Fair Trade coffee farmer Miriam highlighting the harvest (Home, 2022)

With global inflation rising, corporations face challenges bringing the best products to market for the lowest price. They can continue to do so and engage their socially conscientious consumers using Fairtrade products and producers without sacrificing their sustainability initiatives. Fairtrade is defined as a “global movement to improve the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries by ensuring that they have access to export markets and are paid a fair price for their products.” (Bondarenko, 2022). Its earliest roots are traced to the early 1950s. American and European tourists traveling abroad purchased local artisanal products while on holiday. Upon returning home, they then sold the goods, where, ideally, they could sell them at a higher price point. The tourists then returned the higher profits to the struggling farmers and artisans, in hopes the additional money would help cover the business costs and improve their living standards. (Shoenthal, 2018).

As the idea became more universally known in the early 1990s, the standards for qualifying as a Fairtrade product or gaining factory certification formalized to help eliminate the exploitation of the very people the movement sought to help. Today, the process to certification can take months and involve rigorous testing thru a third party to ensure fairness and objectivity (Shoenthal, 2018). Fairtrade websites and information can be found in many countries worldwide that helps coordinate resources for businesses and farmers/artisans to qualify and obtain. Once a factory, farmer, or artisan certifies, they gain the benefits the Fairtrade network provides like workers’ rights protection, standardized environmental/sustainability practices, and minimum price safety nets guaranteeing equitable pricing. This also includes lobbying for Fairtrade workers and companies in the government, educating workers on leadership and creating awareness locally and abroad Business World Magazine | 7

(Home, 2022). Fairtrade Premiums are created to help directly influence the lives of the farmers and artisans thru funding for community projects. The premium, which, is calculated as a percentage of the total volume sold, is adjusted every few years to ensure it accounts for inflation and the product(s) are priced fairly across the region, etc. The money is then placed in the fund/bank account, and the workers vote democratically on how to best distribute throughout the community to benefit all workers (Shoenthal, 2018). Such funds have helped with disaster relief in devastated areas, building schools, healthcare, electricity, clean water, or simply giving workers bikes to perform daily tasks like getting to work easily (Home, 2022). Supporting Fairtrade businesses and initiatives, ensures corporate citizens are held accountable for the people and places they impact.

Figure 2. Nepali artisans crafting goods for West Elm (Shoenthal, 2018)

This widespread theme is often referred to as corporate social responsibility. Some positive business benefits include improved supply chain resiliency, brand strength/awareness, as well as increased customer loyalty (Home, 2022). Investments in Fairtrade initiatives and other green practices have led large corporations to reshape their business models and motivate others to follow. “Today, 46% of our products represent one or more of our social or environmental initiatives, and that number keeps growing. We stand out in the market for original design, unmatched quality and an industry-leading assortment of responsibly made products,” stated Laura Alber, president and CEO of the home goods retailer Williams-Sonoma, Inc (Ethical production, 2022). The company, which boasts seven brands (Williams-Sonoma, Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PB Teen, West Elm, Mark and Graham, and Rejuvenation), was the first home retailer to certify in the Fairtrade USA® Factory certification program. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is even a founding partner of Nest, a non-profit that brings transparency to artisanal supply chains. It also helped create the identifying logo/seal for such goods. (Ethical production, 2022).

Figure 3. FTC Logo(Shoenthal, 2018)

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With more than three quarters of the millennial generation seeking out responsible and ethically sourced goods (Shoenthal, 2018), Williams-Sonoma is connecting the dots for the customer while improving the overall impact to the people who create the unique and quality products this customer demands. They have delivered over $7M in Fairtrade Premiums to date, growing to encompass 16 factories in five countries and benefitting more than 13,000 workers. Williams-Sonoma continues to deliver topline results to their shareholders quarter after quarter while maintaining a pulse on the need to do more than simply drive fiscal revenues (Good, 2022). This kind of continued dedication from companies sets the framework for others to follow and engage in socially responsible practices consumers now demand. Fairtrade helps companies like Williams-Sonoma, Inc. deliver big wins to the communities most in need, as well as establish long lasting partnerships thus raising the bar for corporate citizens everywhere.

Figure 4.How Fairtrade works (Brand, 2022)

Figure 5. Fairtrade artisan creating felt ornaments. (Shoenthal, 2018)

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Bondarenko, P. (2018, January 15). fair trade. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/fair-trade Brand certification. Fair Trade Certified. (2022, September 15). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.fairtradecertified.org/get-certified/business/ Corporate responsibility. Corporate Responsibility. (2022, July 18). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://sustainability.williams-sonomainc.com/ Ethical production. Corporate Responsibility. (2022, September 22). Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://sustainability.williams-sonomainc.com/2020/03/05/ethical-production-compliancebeyond/ GOOD BY DESIGN Impact Report 2021. Williams-Sonoma Sustainability. (2022, August 3). Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://sustainability.williams-sonomainc.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/07/WSI-2021-Impact-Report.pdf Home. Fairtrade Foundation. (2022, September 30). Retrieved September 31, 2022, from https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/ Shoenthal, A. (2018, December 14). What Exactly Is Fair Trade, And Why Should We Care? forbes.com. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyschoenberger/2018/12/14/what-exactly-is-fair-trade-and-whyshould-we-care/?sh=152be4ac7894

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By: Lisa Huynh

Figure 1. Mother working while taking care of baby (Zivković, 2022)

When the topic of corporate social responsibility is brought up people tend to think of philanthropic efforts and environmental responsibility efforts. Providing employees with job security and paid leave for those welcoming a child, life changing circumstances, or health problems should be just as important and acknowledged. It is socially responsible to provide this type of support to employees. There are, on average, over 3.5 million births in the United States every year, but the United States is the only country that does not have a federal paid leave policy and only eight states have paid leave policies (Pearlman, 2022). A paid leave policy has been introduced to the Senate multiples times in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 but has still not passed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government created a temporary paid family and medical leave program in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was limited to COVID-19 related reasons only and did not cover all workers (Romig and Bryant, 2021). Although the Families First Act only covered

leave for COVID-19 reasons, it acknowledged and is bringing attention, to workers' need for more paid family policies. Workers in the United States need to take time off from work to tend to families and healthcare issues without fear of losing their jobs or wondering how to make ends meet. Annie Sartor, a senior director for the advocacy group, Paid Leave for the United States, says that ‘“This is the closest we’ve ever been to winning paid family and medical leave,” she said. “We have a White House that is embracing paid leave and knows it’s critical. We have a Congress that’s ready to act, and this is why frankly businesses are acting now. To have almost 200 companies come out and go on the record in support of a public policy position like paid leave is really unprecedented.”’(Shaban and Rosenberg, 2021). One in four women in the United States return to work within two weeks of giving birth, this is a very sad reality for America. Business World Magazine | 11

It is a shame that the United States is so advanced in many ways but lacking in this area. This is where companies can come in and build a bridge to be the support that so many people need.

the plate to improve the livelihood of their employees which in turn creates mentally and physically healthier people.

Netflix is one of the top tech companies that offers one of the best family leave programs. Its salaried employees are allowed up to a year of paid leave in the first year of a child’s life. Hewlett Packard Enterprise allows its employees 24 weeks of paid parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers and has the option for employees to return to work on a part-time basis for 36 months after the birth or adoption of a child. While Netflix’s policy is a dream out of reach for many, it is time that companies take care of their employees whether mandated by the government or not, instead of leaving their employees hanging out to dry when they are starting a family, this is when they need the most support. Providing these types of programs benefits working mothers and fathers mentally and physically and therefore contributes to the well-being of society.

Figure 3. Infographic showing various data (Cullen, 2016)

Figure 2. Graph showing weeks of maternity leave in difference countries (OECD. 2020)

Reports show that American businesses are working to improve their current policies in place due to the needs of their employees and no help from the government. According to the report “with the number of new paid leave laws continuing to increase, many companies already have or anticipate conforming to state administration, though private/voluntary plans are growing in popularity” (Wooldridge, 2022). Doing this benefits the company by facilitating a healthy productive working environment and promotes employee retention. Companies are stepping up to Business World Magazine | 12

Pearlman, N. (2022, September 29). The Time to Pass Paid Leave is Now. Glamour. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.glamour.com/story/glamour-the-time-to-fight-for-passingpaid-family-leave-is-now-latest Romig, K. and Bryant, K. (2021, April 27). A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.cbpp.org/research/economy/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workersfamilies Shaban, H., & Rosenberg, E. (2021, March 23). Nearly 200 Businesses Urge Congress to Pass Paid Family Leave. The Washington Post. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/03/23/paid-family-leave-business-leaders/ Wooldridge, S. (2022, May 10). Employer Interest in Paid Family Medical Leave Heats Up. BenefitsPRO. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.benefitspro.com/2022/05/10/lackof-national-fmla-not-stopping-employers-from-stepping-up/?slreturn=20221025172822

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Figure 1. Child completes homework while mom works remotely (Maed,2021)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, over the last two and a half years, working remotely has become a way of life for many employees. When the pandemic hit, many businesses sent employees home to work to curtail the spread of the epidemic. If an outbreak of COVID-19 were to hit their company, it could seriously impact their business practices for a period of time. So many factors come in to allowing employees to work from home but what are the benefits?

from work can take hours each day. Giving employees the ability to work from home decreases commute time and increases family time. Working remotely also gives employees the opportunity to have time and space to take a breather. “Space to ourselves to contemplate and restore our work intentions and motivations is never a bad thing. Nor is escaping the weird clucking sounds your cubicle mate makes while typing.” (Healy, 2013)

Under normal working circumstances where people were working in the office five days a week rather than at home, each person usually spends more time with their colleagues than with their own family. “A full 81% of working professionals enjoy working remotely, with 65% stating that remote work has positively affected their work/life balance.” (Grensing-Pophal, 2021) Working from home gives employees the opportunity to spend more time with the people they love. In urban areas, the traffic commute to and

The primary benefit of working from home allows more opportunities for you to spend time with your children. Although you won’t be able to spend all day with your child, you will get to spend lunch and breaktime with them. An employee working from home will be able to be present when their child(ren) get out of school to hear all that they learned and did for the day. In some instances, mothers who have children who are too young for school, have the opportunity to save money on childcare and Business World Magazine | 14

home do not have to commute, they also can take the commute time and do household tasks or chores before work officially starts. Working remotely can help people get a jump start on the day and make people accomplish more at home tasks while still getting their day job completed.

Figure 2. Woman flying while working remotely (MediaSilo Blog, 2020)

watch their children while working at home. “This doesn't necessarily apply to everyone, but some parents who are working at home—depending on their jobs and the age of their children—can earn a living with part-time or no outside childcare.” (Brunelli, 2019) There is a huge economic benefit for employees working from home as well. In addition to reducing commutes, we see that workers are moving from a more expensive, urban area to a smaller, rural area that is more affordable. People are selling homes in San Francisco, Palo Alto and other high rent/mortgage areas and moving to smaller, more rural areas that are cheaper to live in. This benefits the environment as well, due to the reduction of the carbon footprint from less commuting in general.

Figure 3. The Perks of Working From Home (Statista, 2021)

Most people like to travel and you can do so more often if you work remotely. Many jobs allow work from home employees to travel and take their laptops with them to work while on the road. Even though you have to work remotely, you have more freedom to experience new places. “This flexibility will allow you to travel or even move without affecting your employment.” (Herrity, 2021) This is a huge benefit to employees and one that is very appealing to the eye when choosing where to apply to. Countries are offering travel visas to people that want to work remotely in tropical destinations. There are many reason why people are enjoying the recent change that companies made to send their employees to work remotely from home. Statista did a survey of 538 Americans that were working from home in January of 2021. As we all know, commuting to work can be long and time consuming. While people who work from Business World Magazine | 15

Brunelli, L. M. (2019, November 20). 8 reasons to be a work-at-home mom. LiveAbout. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.liveabout.com/reasons-for-working-at-home-3542568 Dickson, A. (2020, December 16). 3 negotiation tactics for Freelancers. MediaSilo Blog. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://blog.mediasilo.com/3-negotiation-tactics-for-freelancers Grensing-Pophal, L. (2021, March 29). Data Show employees want to continue remote work. HR Daily Advisor. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2021/04/05/data-show-employees-want-to-continue-remote-work/ Healy, R. (2013, May 30). The 10 real reasons you like working from home - US news & world report. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outsidevoices-careers/2013/05/30/the-10-real-reasons-you-like-working-from-home Herrity, J. (2021, February 21). Finding a job | indeed.com - indeed career guide. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job Richter, F. (2021, June 7). Infographic: The perks of working from home. Statista Infographics. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/chart/25020/perceived-perks-ofworking-from-home/ Vasi, D. (2021, January 24). 7 tips for homeschooling while working from home (and keeping your sanity in check). maed. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://maed.co/how-to-homeschoolwhile-working-from-home/

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Technical Team:

Alyssa Del Grande

Wesley Medestomas

Lisa Huynh

Editorial Team:

Miranda Wells

Michelle Richards

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