By Juan Santiago, CEO at Santex and Technology with Purpose, Co-Founder of Incutex and Partner at Kalei Ventures.
How does profit happen? Certainly not in a vacuum; it starts with people—their well-being, passions and connection to purpose. It’s shaped by the environment we create for them and the broader world we share.
I firmly believe that the well-being of your people and the sustainability of the planet are pivotal to making an organization thrive. That’s why the triple bottom line is the road to follow: a plan that balances social, environmental and economic considerations to create a more responsible and sustainable business. This entails bold leadership and bold people creating companies that are responsible and resilient as well as financially successful.
Bolstering Engagement And Purpose-Driven Work
Above all else, businesses and individuals thrive when driven by a sense of purpose. When their efforts contribute to the betterment of humanity and the health of the planet, they can unlock deeper engagement and a shared commitment to meaningful progress.
Eighty-six percent of Gen Zs and 89% of millennials say that feeling a sense of purpose in their work is very or somewhat important for their overall job satisfaction and well-being. Young professionals are more likely to stay with purpose-driven companies.
This is something we’ve seen firsthand at Santex. Seventy percent of our employees actively participate in initiatives beyond their required work tasks, such as mindfulness workshops, emotional intelligence training and other personal and professional development programs. This engagement translates into tangible benefits: colleagues who feel connected to the company may show stronger resilience in the face of stressful situations, increased productivity and a greater commitment to the organization. This helps benefit both the company itself and the people who are a part of it.
Global workforce data supports this. Employee engagement is closely tied to individual performance and well-being. Engaged employees not only perform better but also experience less stress. According to Gallup’s State of the Workplace study, 34% of engaged employees reported significant daily stress, compared to 54% of actively disengaged employees.
When we prioritize human connection and focus on addressing individuals’ challenges, we’re better equipped to create value for the organization—and the larger world.
Ensuring Cultural Alignment
An overwhelming 98% of workers express a desire to work remotely at least part of the time. How does that align with the triple bottom line? Meeting the needs and wants of your employees means meeting the needs of your company—and the Earth.
The workforce wants flexibility and independence. Gen Z in particular prefers work-from-anywhere policies. As they prepare to make up nearly a third of the workforce next year, their preferences are reshaping the future of work.
It’s understandable why remote work has become a key element employees want in their company culture. Research shows it can foster happiness and well-being by enhancing autonomy and motivation—factors strongly linked to job satisfaction and retention. For companies, it boosts creativity and innovation through geographic diversity and diverse perspectives. And for the planet, it can help reduce carbon footprints by cutting down on travel and in-office energy consumption.
The downside of remote work is the potential for disconnection. Without physical proximity, individuals may feel isolated from their colleagues. To counter this, it’s essential to keep people engaged and connected, regardless of their location. This is where cultural alignment plays a critical role.
Cultural alignment is critical to support the triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial impact. In a remote work environment, its importance is even greater, as employees risk feeling disconnected from their workplace. To prevent this, employers must take proactive steps to foster a sense of connection and involvement. Regular check-ins, wellness programs and engagement initiatives are vital tools to build a cohesive and committed team, no matter where they’re located.
Future Jobs Depend On Socio-Emotional Skills
Unique skills are paving the way for the jobs of the future. The workforce demands not only technical skills but socio-emotional skills as well.
To be successful, businesses need to tap into these interpersonal skills. Executives in Europe and the U.S. say they’re looking for critical thinking, teaching and training, and creativity in addition to advanced IT and data analytics, according to a report from McKinsey Global Institute. Those surveyed also say these soft skills are in short supply.
With technological advancements in AI and machine learning threatening to displace workers—or, at least, that’s a fear—these innately human competencies will set businesses apart.
It’s a bold step to recognize that human characteristics like critical thinking, empathy, communication and emotional intelligence are necessary for a thriving business. By embracing these qualities and upskilling workers in socio-emotional characteristics (not just technical skills), you can set your company up for greater success.
The Triple Bottom Line
I believe people-first and planet-first is the path forward. Real leaders understand that the process is just as important as the results. They check the pulse of their people. They foster a strong company culture. They know they’re responsible for their impact on the planet.
Your employees and customers aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet. Your carbon footprint is more than a simple PR issue. Your company culture must be centered on purpose and impact on the world. Empathy, action and mission are the way forward.
It’s not just about what you do but how and why you do it. Placing these values at the center of your mission and culture can leave a lasting impression and set your organization apart. Prioritizing people and the planet pays dividends—and that’s the real bottom line.
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