Hootsuite is holding itself to account by releasing its 2021 Impact Report detailing its social impact initiatives driving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The social media management platform has revealed some impressive social impact achievements. Regarding diverse recruitment and workforce representation, 72% of new hires through the referral process were from underrepresented groups, with 60% of the workforce overall self-identifying as a member of an underrepresented group.

There was also a six-fold increase in mental health benefits for employees, and three new “identity-focused” employee resource groups were launched.

The firm, whose headquarters are in Vancouver, Canada, was also recognised as the Winner of the Diversity Champion Award from LinkedIn Talent Awards Canada.

On the environmental front, they have planted 11,052 trees across Australia, Mexico and Canada and have raised $1,000,000 CAD for British Columbia flood relief through a coalition of local companies.

The release of the 2021 Impact Report follows the publication of Hootsuite’s corporate guiding principles, which focuses on how “the company can give back to the communities where its employees live and work, and become better neighbours and allies.”

The principles also emphasise Hootsuite being a safe space where talent feel “welcomed, valued, and empowered to do their best work without compromising who they are.” For example, Hootsuite intends via “measurable actions beginning with annual Pay Equity Assessments” to address and eradicate existing pay gaps in the company.

Overall, the report shows that companies see social impact as an umbrella term encompassing environmental aspects, whether limiting their carbon emissions or actively engaging in environmental issues. It’s also used to improve people’s experiences in their organisation, including attracting more diverse people to it.

Tom Keiser, CEO of Hootsuite, said: “The impacts of a global pandemic, societal crisis, and natural disasters brought on by climate change are taking their toll on all of us. There has never been a more critical time for businesses and organisations to commit to a social impact strategy aimed at making our lives and those of our neighbours better for the long term.”

Eva Taylor, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hootsuite, added: “While there is still much work to be done, I am proud of the steps that we have taken over the past year to collectively do better in the world. I believe that each of us has a role to play in creating a better, more connected and inclusive world, and we’re committed to doing the work that’s needed to create a better future for all of us. We know there is always more that can be done, and we’re excited to continue learning and growing.”

To read about Hootsuite’s commitment(s) to social impact in more detail, click here.

In this article, you learned that:

• Hootsuite’s 2021 Impact Report detailing its social impact initiatives is intended to show greater company transparency and accountability over DEI and CSR.
• In 2021, 72% of Hootsuite’s new hires that came through the referral process were from underrepresented groups.
• They also launched three new “identity-focused” employee resource groups.