Two thirds (66%) of business leaders who answered the survey said they have already started replacing suppliers that don’t live up to their diversity and inclusion values. A similar proportion (65%) have said goodbye to organisations in their supply chain that do not align with their own environmental policies.
The research also discovered that 92% of businesses now vet suppliers on their social values and 75% warned they would be put off by a prospective supplier that did not publish information about their social values.
Sean Haley, Sodexo UK and Ireland regional chair, commented: “It is often said that you can tell a great deal about someone by the company they keep. This is also true for businesses. It is now clear that the ability to demonstrate a positive social impact is a non-negotiable.
“As this research clearly shows, it is a responsibility that extends beyond your own business to the organisations with which you choose to partner. While it can only be seen as a positive step that many businesses are becoming more demanding in areas such as environment and diversity, it is even more heartening to see how many are taking it upon themselves to help their suppliers do better. Business must be purpose-led and capable of directly improving the communities they serve.”
Around 47% of businesses said they are providing suppliers with training, 41% are providing financial support and 39% are offering mentoring to help them improve their own social values.