5 Ways Leaders Can Integrate Social Impact Into Their Organization

A special thank you to Stephanie Pankratz, Jana Mosley, and Connor Curran for joining our panel and making this event possible.

In celebration of the kick-off of our 2022 fall campaign and United Way Month, United Way of Calgary and Area brought together a panel of three of our community’s outstanding business leaders Thursday morning to explore how an organization’s ESG goals and social impact strategies can attract and retain employees, increase employee commitment, and contribute to organizational growth and success.

Jana Mosely, Connor Curran, Stephanie Pankratz, Karen Young - President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, and Michael Siervo - United Way of Calgary and Area Brand Ambassador

Here are our top 5 takeaways from the panel discussion on how leaders can integrate social impact into their organizations:

Practice what you preach

As business leaders seek to motivate and engage employees with their ESG goals, a dedicated focus on communication and consistency is vital.

President of ENMAX Power, Jana Mosley, said, “Leadership is about doing something beyond just yourself. It’s helping people and organizations fulfill their potential. Being involved with United Way campaigns at ENMAX allows me to connect with other employees I don’t normally work with, and to accomplish a common goal for the community.”

“It’s our job as leaders to foster the social impact vision within our companies,” added Connor Curran, co-founder of Local Laundry. “And that vision attracts amazing talent that really want to make a difference.”

Provide and promote opportunities to get involved in the community

An organization’s commitment (backed up with a formal strategy and plan) to making the community in which they operate better is a key factor in employee recruitment and retention. Employees are drawn to organizations who are dedicated to meaningful change.

“We want to be an organization where employees can bring their whole selves to work,” said Stephanie Pankratz, Partner in Audit at KPMG in Calgary. “And incorporating social impact allows new employees to connect and bring their personal experience to engage with their co-workers as we take on initiatives in the community.”

Similarly, Jana added, “When I first decided to join ENMAX, I was drawn to their commitment to the community and the culture around giving back.”

Equip employees to give back

By supporting local causes, organizations can encourage employees to apply their passions in executing an impactful ESG strategy.

“Where do you want to make a difference?” asked Stephanie. “Encourage employees to go after their passions and make a difference there.”

Employees are more engaged and satisfied in their work when they are enabled to make a positive impact.

Integrate social impact into business operations

Companies that don’t integrate ESG into their business strategies will be left behind. “We are starting to see a push from the consumer side for ESG,” said Connor. “Consumers are voting with their wallets.”

Additionally, integrating social impact has big benefits for the recruitment process.

“95% of new graduates are looking for work at a company that is making a real social impact,” said Jana. “And that impact is not made through one yearly event. ESG needs to be living and breathing in your business.”

Partner with local organizations

Job seekers are looking for organizations that align with their values. Companies with signature, giving initiatives can rise above the competition.

“Pick something and stand for it,” said Connor. “Make all your organizational decisions based on that.” Collaborating with a local, charity or non-profit organization that aligns with your social goals makes executing your ESG strategy easier and more meaningful.

By partnering with United Way in support of local charities and programs, organizations can access United Way’s abundant and dedicated campaign representatives and resources in supporting their campaigns. They can tailor campaigns to the organization’s culture and can engage employees by choosing causes that resonate with corporate values.

Karen Young, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area: “United Way is more than a funder. By working together, we make the biggest difference.”