2.1 The Social Pillar (People)

The social pillar focuses on justice, equality, and the health of employees, customers and communities. Socially conscious firms create positive brand images, brand loyalty, and trust by actively incorporating diversity, fairness, inclusion, and overall employee well-being, going above and beyond standard corporate responsibility.

• Workplace Diversity & Inclusion: Fostering a workforce with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences.
• Employee Engagement: Engaged employees are more productive and tend to stay in their jobs.
• Fair Trade: Fair wages, safe work conditions and ethically sourcing raw materials are vital in the development of a fair supply chain.

Case Study:

• Sime Darby Plantation: Invests in employee welfare, community development and supports thousands of smallholders through the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.
• Petronas: Provides strong employee engagement programs, scholarships, and community empowerment efforts.

Global Frameworks:

• ILO (International Labour Organization) Standards: Establish safe and equitable labour conditions.
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Especially SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).