From Concept to Action: The ESG Journey of Slasify’s Global Remote Team

In recent years, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become a popular buzzword in the business world, highlighting the importance of environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Many companies are investing in ESG initiatives to enhance their brand image and market competitiveness. However, as we enter 2024, ESG is no longer just a slogan but a core strategy that companies need to genuinely implement.

In this context, Slasify, a fully remote and medium-sized team, understands the importance of promoting ESG. By practicing ESG, we can contribute to the environment and society while enhancing our sustainability. We’ve taken several measures, such as paperless operations, electronic contracts, and using environmentally friendly materials, to actively reduce carbon emissions. We also focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to ensure employees grow in a supportive environment, fulfilling our social responsibility. Below are the steps we’ve taken to practice ESG within our company, serving as a reference for other remote or medium-sized enterprises.

Did You Know? Remote Work is a Great Strategy for Practicing ESG

According to Cornell University and Microsoft Research , remote workers have a carbon footprint that is 54% lower than those who work in the office. This is mainly because remote working reduces commuting distances and the use of transportation. For example, the weekly carbon emissions of fully working from home are approximately 13.63 kgCO2e, while that of fully office working is as high as 33.43 kgCO2e. In addition, hybrid workers who work from home two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.

In terms of corporate governance, remote working requires clear communication and documentation, which can help improve corporate transparency and decision-making accuracy. In addition, remote working policies need to establish robust digital security measures to safeguard company data and prevent data breaches or other security risks. In this way, remote working not only improves the company’s transparency and efficiency, but also strengthens data governance and risk management, promoting the overall improvement of corporate governance.

In terms of social responsibility, remote working provides greater flexibility, promotes work-life balance, and improves employee satisfaction and mental health. According to the “Why Remote Work Policies Are Good For the Environment” survey, 98% of remote workers hope to continue working remotely in some form in the future. Not only will this reduce employee stress, it will also provide more work opportunities for people with special needs, such as people with limited mobility who can work from home. In addition, remote working breaks down geographical barriers and promotes diversity and inclusion, allowing companies to recruit more diverse talents from around the world.

Therefore, remote working not only helps reduce carbon emissions, but also improves corporate governance and social responsibility. This makes remote working an effective and must-consider option for companies to implement ESG strategies. By promoting remote and hybrid work, companies can achieve multiple environmental, social and governance goals and achieve sustainable development results.

Slasify ESG implementation practice – company policy

In addition to the way remote work itself embodies ESG, Slasify has also implemented a number of policies within the company to fulfill its commitment to environmental protection (Environmental), social responsibility (Social) and corporate governance (Governance):

1) Paperless operations: Slasify implements paperless operations to save carbon emissions by reducing paper usage. Each piece of paper saves 0.00616 kg CO2e of carbon emissions (3.08 kg CO2e/pack of 500 sheets). The data comes from the carbon footprint emission coefficient of photocopying paper from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Product Carbon Footprint Information Network. Reasons for going paperless include reducing carbon emissions, saving resources and improving efficiency. Paper that can be omitted includes meeting minutes, reports and daily correspondence, which can all be converted to digital form.

2) Electronic contracts and business cards: The company uses electronic contracts and electronic business cards to further reduce the need for paper and printing and reduce the environmental burden.

3) Low-carbon sports culture: The company advocates low-carbon sports, such as running, mountaineering and rock climbing, and encourages employees to participate in environmentally friendly activities to promote physical and mental health while reducing carbon footprint.

Slasify ESG implementation practice – using environmentally friendly promotional materials

In addition to company policies, choosing suppliers that meet ESG standards is also one of the ways to implement ESG. This includes production methods and work processes that reduce carbon emissions, and the selection of environmentally friendly materials and inks.

1) Environmental protection promotional materials: Try to avoid printing paper leaflets. If it cannot be avoided, use ESG-compliant paper and environmentally friendly inks, such as soy ink. Soy ink is a sustainable printing ink made from raw materials primarily derived from soybean plants. Compared with traditional petroleum-based inks, soy inks have lower negative environmental impacts, reduce fossil fuel consumption and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions, and use renewable materials with good biodegradability.

2) Environmentally friendly clothing: Choose environmentally friendly T-shirts and use environmentally friendly inks for printing to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

3) Environmental shopping bags: Use environmentally friendly shopping bags made from certified recycled cotton to promote reusable products and reduce the use of plastic bags.

4) Environmentally friendly tableware: Environmentally friendly tableware made from wheat straw avoids the use of disposable tableware and reduces plastic production and carbon emissions.

Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance

Slasify values ​​the protection of team employees and client employees. The company ensures that employees work under legal and compliant employment conditions and is committed to improving employee well-being. The flexibility of remote working allows employees to better balance work and life, improving mental health and satisfaction. At the same time, the company promotes the Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) policy to ensure that employees grow in a friendly environment and realize corporate social responsibility.

The future of ESG

Slasify is still just the beginning on the road to ESG practice. We will continue to work hard to promote more environmental protection measures, enhance social responsibility, and strengthen corporate governance. In the future, Slasify plans to further utilize innovative technology and global cooperation to promote sustainable development. The company will continue to explore and practice ESG strategies to ensure that everyone can work and live in a sustainable and inclusive environment. As technology advances and globalization accelerates, remote working models will become the norm. We will continue to provide the highest quality services to enterprises and employees to help them succeed in the global market.

Slasify is a one-stop platform offering Global Payroll, Employer of Records (EOR), and HR Outsourcing functions for the remote working generation. Our dedication to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) and a proven track record with Forbes Top 100 Companies make us your ultimate payroll partner. Join us on a global HR journey, where we cater to your needs across 150+ countries. Unlock HR solutions tailored to you – Book a free consultation today!