Building Impact from Within: Our B Corp Journey
Summary: Creating meaningful change starts from within. Some of our practices have been in place from the start, while others are new. From DEI to environmental responsibility, we’re committed to strengthening our internal impact and evolving as a mission-driven business.
Documentation for Accountability
You can’t prove it if you can’t show it. Even before formally pursuing certification as a B Corporation™, we prioritized sustainable and inclusive business practices. Documenting policies that aligned with B Corp standards was foundational to the merger that created Reason One. These early “quick wins” moved us closer to B Lab’s’s 80-point benchmark and strengthened our responsible business practices. Discover how doing good has been in our DNA since day one in Our Path to B Corp Certification.
Ensuring Pay Equity Across Our Global Team
With our remote team spanning the U.S., Ireland, and Canada, we’ve assessed compensation to ensure salaries meet or exceed the living wage, that we are equitable in our pay practices, and have transparent salary bands. Being fully remote we offer a monthly internet stipend, and an annual home office stipend to all employees. We review salary bands annually, adjusting any salaries that fall below the band upward into the range. We also analyze pay data across different dimensions of identity including but not limited to gender and ethnicity to ensure we’re upholding equitable compensation practices. By documenting these practices, we aim to foster an inclusive workplace and provide equal access to resources for all employees.
Actions We’ve Taken So Far
Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring
We share job openings on a variety of job boards and platforms, including those focused on BIPOC, Black creatives, Indigenous communities, disability-focused groups, and LGBTQ+ candidates. By connecting with underrepresented communities, we aim to go beyond the traditional hiring pipeline. We also use standardized interview rubrics to ensure a fair and unbiased hiring process.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
We worked with Bright + Early to deliver foundational DEI training for the entire agency, initiated in response to the George Floyd murder. Separately, we implemented robust anti-discrimination policies and procedures. To further support our commitment, our executive team established a DEI book club to foster ongoing learning and anti-racism awareness.
Reason One Mentorship & Scholarship Program
Launched in 2020, the Reason One Mentorship & Scholarship Program provides year-long mentorship and scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to six Black tech students in Charleston, SC, and Toronto, ON. This initiative supports diversity and equity, addressing the underrepresentation of Black tech workers—who comprise only 2.6% of the tech workforce in Canada and 8% in the U.S.
The stark inequities faced by marginalized communities served as a wake-up call for our team, prompting us to ask how we could drive positive change within our industry. Lack of diversity presents barriers to innovation and perpetuates racial bias in technology, impacting Black communities. Through this program, we’re committed to building a more equitable tech industry by actively supporting emerging Black tech talent.
Celebrating and Recognizing Diversity
We’ve expanded how we honor diversity, with events like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, and Pride Month. Our initiatives include supporting Black-owned businesses, LGBTQ2S+ awareness, and fundraising for inclusivity, creating a more socially aware workplace.
Reducing Environmental Impact
We offset carbon emissions through Cool Effect and regularly update our environmental policies, strengthening our commitment to sustainability.
Inclusive Parental Support
Our parental leave policy supports all new parents, including resources for breastfeeding, helping balance family and work life.
Community Engagement
Giving back is at the heart of our company values. Each employee receives two paid volunteer days per year to support organizations of their choice, including charities, schools, and community groups. This initiative empowers our team to make a meaningful impact in the communities they care about most.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Impact
Some initiatives are still in their early stages, but we’re committed to making a lasting difference as they evolve. Every day, we take small steps to be responsible stewards of the planet and a positive force for our team. We may not always get it right, but we strive to learn and improve with each opportunity.
Follow Our Progress as We Grow from Within
Being a certified B Corporation is just the beginning. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest on our commitment to equity, sustainability, and community engagement—and discover the impact we’re creating from the inside out.
Don’t miss our 2024 Impact Report for an in-depth look at our progress.