In a complex, interconnected world, and in many places plagued by inequality, companies are increasingly focused on trying to bring value and assistance to the places where they do business and operate.
Whether defending women’s rights, protecting the environment, or trying to eradicate poverty, a responsible company carries out relief work in parallel with its business activity.
From a business and investment point of view, socially responsible companies are capable of projecting a more attractive image for both consumers and shareholders, something that has a positive impact on their results.
For that reason, if you are a business owner, the days of operating solely for profit are long gone. While generating profits is still important, many companies now focus primarily on Business or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
CSR is exercised when a company operates in an ethical and sustainable manner, and also addresses its environmental and social impacts. This means careful consideration of human rights, the protection of the community, the environment, and the society in which it operates.
CSR is immensely important to a company, and the ethical culture that fosters it is vital to its success. According to a 2015 Cone Communications / Ebiquity study, 91% of global consumers expect businesses to operate responsibly to address social and environmental issues. Additionally, 84% say they look for responsible products whenever possible.
In this context, GK, a multinational corporation whose main business is in the textile and real estate sector, and which has a presence in countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, or the United States, is one of those socially responsible corporations, which promotes the development of various areas of the communities in which it works.
The Group has promoted, with the help of its strategic partners and collaborators, actions that promote public education, health, and care for the environment in different communities, through the GK’s Foundation.
The pilars of the Corporate Social Responsibility of GK
The company’s work in social matters has been divided into three main axes that converge to improve the lives of people in the different communities in which it works: Health, Education, and the Environment.
Health
The health of employees and their families is a priority. For this reason, Health Fairs and Dental Brigades are held for the residents of the communities in all the countries where the company operates. Thousands of people are served each year in various parts of the world.
The GK Foundation maintains alliances with international hospitals that allow foreign doctors to be made available to the brigades, in specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. Since the pandemic began, the Group has implemented the donation of biosafety equipment and medicines for hospitals, humanitarian organizations, and people in dozens of communities.
More than 700,000 masks and food bags have been donated by GK to its neighboring communities in countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Pakistan, and the United States.
Education
Providing quality educational opportunities is a permanent effort of GK.
The company changes the lives of thousands of children thanks to several schools located in Pakistan, Yucatán, Campeche, San Pedro Sula, Naco, and Santa Bárbara in Honduras. The Group is proud to benefit the Official Schools of Honduras and other countries by teaching Spanish and English.
In addition to formal subject and language education, the company makes sure to provide comprehensive support to students and parents through:
- Talks with trained staff about the environment, bullying, and values.
- Traditional games that promote local customs and traditions.
- Information sessions for parents in which training is given on social risk, domestic violence, and family planning.
- Celebrations and festivities.
- Bilingual and state teacher training with qualified professionals.
Environment
Responsibility with the environment is one of the creeds on which the company bases its activity. It is common for GK to hold environmental talks with the community, as well as actions that tend to care for the environment.
All operations are carried out with respect for the environment, through a Zero Waste Policy that is based on the ethical and economic objective of guiding the activity of the organization towards a change in lifestyle, and a culture to reduce emissions and waste discharges into land, water, and atmospheric sources.
In this sense, the Group has been recognized in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility for promoting the three objectives of corporate sustainability: economic well-being, environmental protection, and social well-being.
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