Small Actions, Big Impact: How I Embrace Sustainability in Business
I’ve always believed that small actions can lead to meaningful change.
When I started Remarkable Communications, I knew I wanted to do more than run a successful business—I wanted to make the world a better place.
As a business owner, I’ve found that I can make the biggest positive impact in four ways:
empowering our staff
supporting our clients
working with vendors who share our values
giving back to causes we believe in
Sustainability is woven into each part
One of the key frameworks we use to ensure Remarkable Communications is working in the world as sustainably as we can, is by utilizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It's a simple, but in-depth tool businesses can use to align with sustainability goals that make sense for your business values and corporate social responsibility goals. It’s a set of 17 global goals, each with a framework for creating a more sustainable future.
What are the UN SDGs and why do they matter?
Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal call to action for businesses, individuals, and governments to create a better world. These goals cover everything from ending poverty and promoting equality to fostering economic growth.
Each goal is important, and I encourage you to read more—especially if you’re looking to run a more sustainable business or simply lead a more sustainable life.
At Remarkable, we focus on three of the 17 goals: Goal 1, Goal 3, and Goal 8.
Goal 1 is about ending poverty.
Having been overlooked all through history, marginalized people face unique barriers to education and employment. This is why Remarkable only hires, trains, and promotes those from marginalized identities. Beyond hiring, we provide accommodations to support the variety of brains and bodies on the team. Team members are free to choose the hours and working location that suits them best.
We’ve also created a training platform called the Remarkable Academy, which gives staff the information and tools they need to thrive in the tech world regardless of their prior experience. We offer additional training on specific tools and best practices as needed.
Goal 3 is about ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for everyone.
Our workplace prioritizes people over profits, and we care for our people in multiple ways. We have a ‘one-emoji, no-questions-asked’ policy for taking up to 48 hours off, which allows team members time and space to prioritize their well-being. We also use a stoplight Slack status system and weekly check-ins to stay aligned on each other’s capacity. I have actually been told by staff that they’d work at Remarkable for free, it still warms my heart, and reminds me that caring for people over profits can make an immense impact.
As someone who is in long-term recovery from substance misuse, I understand how important it is to create an environment where mental health and well-being is a priority. Connection is the opposite of addiction. Following the principles of recovery in my business has been a key part of creating a connected and healthy working community.
Goal 8 is about decent work and economic growth.
My business is structured in a way that ensures every employee is not only satisfied with their role but also fairly compensated and provided with regular chances for growth. All staff receive regular training on relevant topics, along with opportunities for continuous increase in pay and responsibility.
Let’s not overlook the impact that small businesses can have on the world, it’s possible to make a huge difference with small actions – and it’s important to share stories like this to encourage each other and be part of the tide that raises all ships. By implementing the UN SDGs, my company is able to support the causes we care about, empower our team, and make a tangible impact on society.
If you’re inspired by the SDGs and want to learn more about creating an ethical workplace, I’d love to hear from you. Find me online at laurelannestark.com