why we wanted this again
Much of what B Corp considers important - including social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability - we were already doing. The only thing was: often informally, implicitly, or in someone’s head. Thanks to the B Impact Assessment, we have sharpened all of that in recent months. The assessment forced us to make choices, formulate policies, and make our mission measurable. The result: less loose sand, more cohesion. And an even stronger foundation to build on.
I’d like to take you through the highlights and learnings per B Corp theme.
governance: from annual to quarterly
The B Corp approach was a good reason for us to re-examine our mission and values. We have refined them and linked them to concrete KPIs. We have also switched from an annual to a quarterly cycle, so that we can adjust sooner if necessary and have a better view of our progress.
workers: more than well-organized
We already scored well as an employer, but many things were not really recorded anywhere. That has changed: important processes and agreements are now secured in our employee handbook. In addition, we have made significant strides in the field of (mental) health. We launched a vitality program and are finally realizing a long-cherished wish: structural employee satisfaction surveys, in collaboration with Binqy. We will incorporate the insights gained from this into our quarterly reports.
community: consciously(er) involved
At us., relatively many female developers work - something we are proud of, especially given the figures in our sector. But we realized that diversity and inclusion require policy and action. We have now put that on paper, and are putting it into practice. We have also further expanded our involvement with clients. We share our knowledge more often and more actively. We also actively encourage colleagues to participate in clients’ fundraising events, such as Write for Rights (Amnesty) and the Nacht van de Vluchteling.
environment: small choices, big effect
More sustainable living and working starts with awareness. At the office, we recycle more actively and we also help colleagues at home to deal with waste more consciously. Most colleagues already came by public transport or bicycle - now we also ensure that this is facilitated as standard. We also tightened our purchasing policy and drew up guidelines. Where possible, we consciously choose local, small entrepreneurs.
customers: 98% impact – on to 100
The B Corp process confirmed that our choice to only work with organizations that make a social impact is the right one. 98% of our turnover now comes from this - next year we want to bring that to 100%.
In addition, we have drawn up a policy on digital accessibility and included accessibility in our core values. Everyone - with or without a disability - must be able to effortlessly use what we make. That also means that we design as much as possible with open standards.
what now?
We look forward to the judgment of B Lab. If all goes according to plan, we expect to receive the B Corp certificate at the end of 2025. And that’s when it really begins! Because B Corp is not a finish line, but a way of working. We continue to build on what we have achieved in the past year. And from now on, we will also share our progress through impact reports. So that everyone can see what we stand for, what we learn - and what we are going to do even better.
Would you like to know more about our certification process? Feel free to contact me.
– Casper van Schie