Steps to Sustainability: Embracing Neurodiversity Through B Corp Certification
As part of the B Corporation™ movement, PAPER & PAGE is committed to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. In the 🌏 B Corp Spotlight 🔦 series, we talk to other Certified B Corps that are changing the rules of the game here in Southeast Asia.
Today, we’re featuring Steps, an organization at the forefront of mainstreaming neurodiversity and neuroinclusion in the workplace. Join us as we delve into their path to getting B Corp-certified and how it amplifies their mission.
Steps’ B Corp certification journey
Steps, a Certified B Corp, is transforming vocational training and neurodiversity advocacy in Thailand. Their B Corp certification underscores a commitment to social and environmental sustainability, highlighting a key milestone in their ongoing mission. With a steadfast commitment to social and environmental sustainability, Steps exemplifies how businesses can thrive by balancing profit with purpose.
Founded on the belief that neurodiversity is a strength to be harnessed, Steps has carved a unique path in Southeast Asia. By offering vocational training, consultancy, and research services, Steps empowers neurodivergent individuals to reach their fullest potential. Their innovative approach extends beyond education, modeling inclusive businesses that pave the way for a more accepting and diverse workplace.
“Steps has always been focused on creating impact,” shares Max Simpson, Steps’ CEO and Founder, discussing the motivation behind pursuing B Corp certification. The drive towards certification was largely about embodying and externalizing the core values that Steps has embraced from the start. “We saw the opportunity to demonstrate that our work is valuable, measurable, and certified,” Max explains, highlighting the internal ethos that seamlessly resonates with the benchmarks set by B Corp.
A commitment to inclusion and sustainability
Steps’ foundational commitment to inclusivity and sustainability naturally aligns with B Corp standards, making the organization’s journey to B Corp certification a reflection and formal acknowledgment of its core values and mission. “We had embedded a lot of the B Corp values into our work from day one,” says Max. This alignment underscores Steps’ dedication to fostering a positive impact on society and the environment, highlighting their work with neurodivergent individuals as the cornerstone of their mission.
As a newly certified B Corp, Steps sees potential impact on recruitment, bolstering their appeal to like-minded individuals. “We now communicate in our recruitment channels that we are a B Corp,” Max notes, indicating the certification’s immediate resonance.
They say, “There is limited awareness about B Corp in Thailand and Southeast Asia, though we find people are very interested to hear about it. For those who already have awareness, such as embassies and intergovernmental organizations, we see how it quickly helps them to frame us. This conversion helps us introduce our mission and business consultancy work to people and groups who might not realize how varied our points of engagement are.” This new status enhances the team’s confidence and also encourages a more ethical and inclusive approach throughout their supply chain, aiming to foster a broader B Corp ecosystem in the region.
By demonstrating that neurodivergent individuals are invaluable assets to any team, Steps challenges conventional employment practices and advocates a more inclusive approach. This commitment enriches workplace culture and drives innovation and creativity, proving that diversity is not just a metric but a catalyst for growth and progress.
For businesses contemplating this certification journey, Max emphasizes the importance of dedication and internal advocacy: “It is understandably a long process and can easily become deprioritized with everything else an organization is balancing. We have fewer than 50 employees so assigning a project champion who helped to ensure it remained a focus whilst educating our internal stakeholders on why we were asking them to produce reports, etc., worked well for us.”
Looking to the future
Max envisions a B Corp movement in Southeast Asia, endorsing policies and practices that support sustainable business models. “It would be great to see B Corp working in this region to advocate for preferential procurement policies and tax benefits,” they remark. This forward-thinking approach not only highlights Steps’ commitment to societal change but also calls for a collective effort to redefine success in business.
Steps’ B Corp certification is a reflection of their unwavering dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility. As Max puts it, “It’s just how we go about making sure our theory of change starts within our organization.” This certification validates Steps’ impactful work and positions them as a beacon for change.
Looking forward, Steps is poised to continue leading the way in mainstreaming neurodiversity and fostering inclusive workplaces. Their journey inspires other organizations to reflect on their impact and consider the value of B Corp certification. As the global community becomes more aware of the importance of neurodiversity and inclusivity, Steps stands ready to share its expertise and collaborate with others to create a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
Joining the B Corp movement signifies Steps’ commitment to not just doing good business, but doing business for good. As we spotlight their journey, we invite fellow businesses and social enterprises to embrace this transformative path, leveraging their own missions for the greater good.
