Since joining the team at Springboard Communications last year, I’ve been diving into the world of public relations, media, and communications. Another interesting aspect of the job that I was delighted to learn about and get involved in was Springboard Communications and its journey towards B Corp certification. 

Understanding what it means to be a B Corp

I was already familiar with the B Corp accreditation, mainly in relation to products that I regularly buy, so it was a great ‘green flag’ to hear that my new place of work was actively working towards this goal – a goal I didn’t even know could be awarded to a business such as a PR and communications agency. 

Below is what I noticed about the process, both personally and professionally, and what it means to me as the most recent recruit at Springboard Communications. 

Firstly, in relation to becoming a B Corp certified business, it means that Springboard Communications is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. The thought process behind B Corp deals with different areas: governance, workers, customers, environment, and community. As the B Lab states on its website, “B Corp Certification is holistic, not exclusively focused on a single social or environmental issue.” 

With these intersectional disciplines in mind, it has been interesting to learn about Springboard’s approach and to see the behind-the-scenes of the B Corp business. 

Aligning personal values with professional purpose

On a personal level, it is nice to work at a company that mirrors my environmental, social, and sustainable interests. The framework creates a structure which the company can work within; as a result, Springboard’s goals align with my personal values of community-based and environmental sustainability. 

It’s inspiring to see a company care and take action towards tangible goals in relation to overall sustainability, especially when so many companies don’t consider such important elements. This is one of the parts of my job that I enjoy talking about outside of work: it gives me a sense of purpose and makes me talk about both Springboard and B Corp in my personal life. 

B Corp: A global network of purpose-driven companies

Professionally, being a B Corp situates Springboard Communications in a global network that is shared with the likes of Ben & Jerry’s and other well-known companies. It’s not every day that you get to say that your company has something big in common with the aforementioned renowned duo, apart from our love of ice cream, of course. 

Other companies that Springboard now shares the B Corp space with include Patagonia, Etsy, and Aēsop, all brands I admire personally and now have a professional connection with. Irish and local B Corp brands include fiid, a plant-based meal company that has saved many of my mealtimes; Bewley’s Tea & Coffee, a morning essential for many; Velo Coffee Roasters, another morning essential, of course; and Bread 41, an organic Dublin bakery that specialises in long-fermented breads and handcrafted pastries. 

Apart from the delicious food and drink mentioned above, another element of having B Corp certification that I have noticed on a professional level is in relation to Springboard’s identity as a company. The following quote from Raconteur really struck a chord with me as I read it: “Certification offers a unique opportunity to enhance overall employee engagement by providing a clear company identity while fostering an engaging work environment. This can give you a competitive edge in talent acquisition and retention.” The fact that I am now part of a company that takes pride in its B Corp certification is a great boost for me, both personally and professionally. 

Having the opportunity to work at the B Corp-certified business, I am reminded of the fact that both communications and business can be used as forces for good. By working together as a team and using our combined skillset, we have the potential to help other businesses with their sustainability communications as well as informing people, locally as well as globally, of the work we do at Springboard Communications. 

Looking ahead

One of the key factors of B Corp certification is the fact that the company awarded the certification must work towards retaining the award – it isn’t a once-off status. In terms of future progress that can be made as a company, in my opinion, I have a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas when it comes to implementing future change. 

This is only the beginning for Springboard Communications, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store! 

Post by Darragh Woods