When talking about the quality of sustainability reports, one of the problems frequently pointed out is the lack of quality in the information and the poverty of many of the documents presented by companies.
It is no coincidence that organizations such as KPMG reveal in their study “The time has come" that less than a quarter report data on the risk of biodiversity loss and only 40% of companies recognize climate change risks.
Nor is it any surprise that the Social Responsibility Observatory, after carrying out a rigorous analysis of the sustainability reports of the 35 largest Spanish companies rigorous analysis of the sustainability reports of the 35 largest companies in Spain, found that there is a lack of transparency in the areas of Human Rights, Taxation and Corruption.found that there is a lack of transparency in the areas of Human Rights, Taxation and Corruption.
Why don't organizations know how to report sustainability reports?
The reasons can be multiple but these are the three main ones:
1. Ignorance. Despite advances, many companies do not understand or have a blurred vision of what sustainability is and what it represents. It is still very much associated with philanthropic acts and is not seen as a strategy to make a business profitable and sustainable over time.
Lack of tools. Sustainability management is becoming increasingly complex. However, the reality is that many companies do not have the necessary tools to simplify and facilitate the management of CSR in companies.
3. Bad practices. A recurring theme is hiding or not reporting aspects in which the performance of companies is not the best. Highlighting only positive aspects and ignoring what is not being done well has the opposite effect. It is neither realistic, nor ethical, nor strategic to show perfect companies because they do not exist.
How to improve the quality of sustainability reports and reports?
1. Awareness. Without this element within companies, the result of a reflection of the current situation of the company, it is not possible to propose a good strategy in terms of CSR and sustainability.
Our actions in this decade will define the future, both for the corporate world and for our planet. That's why it's vital to get the full sense of how being sustainable helps the planet and helps us to forge closer ties with our stakeholders and all that goes with it (trust, brand image, credibility, etc.).
2. Opportunity. Analyzing the results of company performance, recognizing what is not being done well and seeing it as an opportunity for improvement is key. Sustainability is an objective but also a process in itself. In this process of growth and maturation, it is normal that there are actions that are not perfect. The key is to identify and measure these errors, be transparent with the information and get to work on it to improve it.
3. Attracting talent. Learning about sustainability is fundamental to do business today. As well as knowing about finance or project management, teams need - regardless of the area in which they work - to understand and know about sustainability, its implications, good practices and how to implement them.
On the other hand, if possible, it is always beneficial for companies to have employees on staff who are experts in designing, implementing and evaluating CSR strategies and action plans.
4. Search for tools in the market. As CSR management becomes more complex and teams need to optimize their time, it is necessary to look for tools to simplify and streamline the CSR management process.
Improving reporting is not only key to have a better relationship with stakeholders but also to be able to improve and make companies more competitive.
Finally, remember that there are no perfect organizations and that sustainability is the goal but also the path that must be followed in order to understand that good behavior will keep you in the market and bad practices will always take their toll, sooner or later.
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