ISO 26000: Putting social responsibility at the heart of your business 

ISO 26000: A guide, not a certifiable standard 

It’s important to distinguish between a guide and a standard with requirements. A standard with requirements, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, can lead to official certification. ISO 26000, on the other hand, is a guide that provides recommendations on social responsibility without being certifiable. Its aim is to support organizations in the integration of responsible practices, without imposing strict normative constraints. 

Why adopt ISO 26000? 

Companies of all sizes play a crucial role in sustainable development. They must not only meet economic expectations, but also take into account their social and environmental impact. The ISO 26000 standard provides a reference framework to guide organizations in integrating social responsibility through seven fundamental principles: 

• Transparency 

• Ethical behavior 

• Respect for stakeholders’ interests 

• Respect for human rights 

• Accountability 

• Respect for the environment 

• Community development 

Applying these principles promotes better governance and strengthens the credibility of companies in the eyes of customers, employees and business partners. 

Ethical and inclusive practices: a priority 

Responsible purchasing: a strategic lever 

One concrete way of integrating social responsibility is to review our purchasing policy. Opting for local, ethical and certified suppliers reduces the ecological footprint and encourages more sustainable practices. 

• Give preference to fair-trade products or those with environmental certifications (e.g. Ecocert Canada, FSC, ICI on recycle + program from RECYC-QUÉBEC). 

• Favor suppliers who respect human rights and guarantee decent working conditions. 

• Reduce waste and carbon footprint by opting for short circuits and eco-responsible packaging. 

According to a Nielsen study, 73% of global consumers say they are ready to change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. This demonstrates the importance of responsible purchasing practices in brand perception. 

Inclusion and equity: essential values 

An inclusive environment fosters innovation and employee commitment. The balance between diversity and equity is key to ensuring a respectful, high-performance work climate. Some concrete actions: 

• Adopt fair recruitment practices based on skills, not unconscious bias. 

• Offer equal opportunities to all by integrating employment access policies for minorities and under-represented groups. 

• Collaborate with indigenous companies and promote cultural diversity within teams. 

McKinsey research shows that companies with a high level of diversity are 35% more likely to outperform the sector average financially. This illustrates the positive economic impact of a culture of inclusion. 

The concrete benefits of corporate social responsibility 

The benefits of a socially responsible approach are numerous: 

• Improved brand awareness: A committed company is perceived as more credible and attractive to consumers and investors. 

• Talent retention: Employees committed to a respectful corporate culture are more motivated and less likely to leave their jobs. 

• Cost reduction: Adopting eco-responsible practices can reduce energy and raw material consumption. 

According to a Deloitte report, 83% of young workers (Millennials and Generation Z) consider that a company’s social values and commitments influence their choice of employment. Adopting a CSR approach is therefore a key factor in attracting talent. 

Strategic leverage for HR, purchasing and operations managers 

HR managers, as well as purchasing and operations managers, have a key role to play in translating CSR commitments into concrete, high-impact actions within the company. They can be catalysts for change by integrating inclusive practices, promoting fair recruitment and raising employee awareness of the importance of social and environmental commitments. HR management that is well aligned with CSR contributes to a healthy and attractive working climate, strengthening talent motivation and retention. Similarly, purchasing and operations managers can optimize supply chains and internal processes by integrating ethical and sustainable criteria, thereby reducing costs while increasing organizational efficiency. 

Conclusion: Act now 

Corporate social responsibility is not just a theoretical concept. It is based on concrete actions that can positively transform your company. Every gesture, from better resource management to a policy of inclusion, contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future. 

Would you like to structure your approach and optimize your return on investment? Our experts can help you analyze your impacts and implement an effective sustainable strategy. 

What are you doing to integrate social responsibility into your organization? Share your initiatives!