Cause Consulting's March Trend Watch

In today's business landscape, reputation is key. A company's reputation can make or break them, as consumers increasingly want to support businesses that align with their values. That's why it's important for businesses to not only focus on their products or services but also their social and environmental impact. In this post, we will explore the most reputable companies of 2017 and what we can learn from their success.

Most Reputable Companies of 2017

According to a report by Reputation Institute, these are the most reputable companies of 2017:

While these companies all operate in different industries, they share common values that have helped them earn a positive reputation. Let's explore these values further.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be defined as a company's efforts to have a positive impact on society and the environment while also ensuring their own success. The most reputable companies of 2017 all prioritize CSR and have implemented initiatives that benefit their stakeholders beyond just their bottom line.

For example, Google launched its "Google Impact Challenge" which provides funding to non-profits using technology to solve social problems. In addition, the company has pledged to use 100% renewable energy by 2020. This dedication to sustainability and social impact has helped Google earn a positive reputation.

Employee Satisfaction

Another commonality among the most reputable companies is their focus on employee satisfaction. These companies understand that their employees are their greatest asset and have implemented programs and policies to foster a positive work environment.

For example, Salesforce offers a program called "Ohana" which means family in Hawaiian. This program provides employees with resources for personal and professional development, and has helped create a strong company culture grounded in empathy and inclusivity.

Tips for Building a Positive Reputation

If you are looking to build a positive reputation for your own business, here are a few tips:

• Develop CSR initiatives that align with your company's values
• Invest in employee satisfaction through programs and policies that foster a positive work environment
• Communicate transparently with stakeholders about your company's impact and progress
• Be proactive in addressing any negative issues or feedback

Ideas and How-To's for Building a Positive Reputation

Now that you have some tips for building a positive reputation, let's explore some concrete ideas and how-tos for implementing them:

• Partner with a non-profit organization to implement a CSR initiative that aligns with your company's values
• Offer employees various resources for personal and professional development, such as trainings or mentorship programs
• Create a regular newsletter or social media post highlighting your company's impact and progress towards your CSR goals
• Respond to negative feedback with empathy and a willingness to listen and make changes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is corporate social responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's efforts to have a positive impact on society and the environment while also ensuring their own success.

2. How can my business implement CSR initiatives?

Start by identifying issues that align with your company's values and missions. From there, you can partner with non-profit organizations, create your own programs, or simply make conscious decisions that benefit your stakeholders beyond your bottom line.

3. Why is employee satisfaction important for a positive reputation?

Employees are a company's greatest asset and are often the face of the company to external stakeholders. By investing in their satisfaction and well-being, you are creating a positive work environment that can ultimately benefit your reputation.

4. How can I communicate transparently with stakeholders?

You can communicate transparently by regularly sharing updates on your company's impact and progress towards your CSR goals through newsletters, social media posts, or any other relevant channels.

5. How should I respond to negative feedback?

Respond to negative feedback with empathy and a willingness to listen and make changes. This shows stakeholders that you are committed to making a positive impact and are open to feedback.