The increasing polarization in society has led to a growing scepticism towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in business. Many view ESG as a distant problem, and the mixed messages from companies about their commitment to ESG have created a sense of cynicism. However, leaders who genuinely centre their purpose around stakeholders and financial performance tend to provide better financial returns. The B Corp movement, which certifies organizations based on their environmental and social credentials, is gaining momentum and provides a more sustainable solution by focusing on employee welfare and purpose. The article highlights the importance of shifting the focus from ESG to employee welfare, as employees with a sense of purpose are more likely to drive significant change. The B for Good Leaders summit in Amsterdam brought together leaders who are certified as B Corps or aligned with B Corp principles, and the discussions centred around how AI and purpose can be aligned. The movement of purpose-led organizations is growing, and it is essential for businesses to communicate their purpose to move beyond traditional bureaucracies.

Beyond Box-Ticking
Investing in companies listed in Fortune’s 100 Great Places to Work each January yielded a 3.5% higher return than the market.
1–2 minutes










