What is ESG?
ESG: three little letters with big significance. Short for Environmental, Social, and Governance, this set of standards measures a business’s impact on society and the environment, as well as its accountability. Every aspect is essential for companies to evaluate their sustainability and social responsibility, which plays a crucial role in enabling responsible business practices. So, how does this work in facilities management (FM) services?
Why Social Values matter in hard FM services
An integrated FM service involves different sectors coming together to ensure the smooth operation and upkeep of a space. With employees spanning plumbing, engineering, catering, security services, and more, alongside partnerships with multiple suppliers, it’s essential to understand how people are affected by the business, both directly and indirectly.
In facilities management, this goes beyond ensuring that properties are run seamlessly. It also involves considering the broader perspective.
From fostering open discussions on mental health to promoting community engagement, the focus is on managing all business aspects ethically and responsibly.
Every link in the chain counts
It’s one thing to uphold certain standards in your own business, but to really match ESG principles, you need to partner with like-minded organisations too. Put simply, labour practices don’t just need to be fair for your workforce: they need to be fair across the whole supply chain.
At 14forty, we work with suppliers who align with our goals, fostering diverse and inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome and respected. Sharing ambitions for the world makes collaboration easier, more inspiring, and more productive, and paves the way for a brighter future for our communities in the process.
Support social mobility with staffing
One way that employers can help to create equal opportunity is through recruitment strategies. At 14forty, our hiring process is focused on social mobility. As of this year, we’ve achieved gender parity across our business, and by 2030, we’re committed to ensuring that 40% of those in management positions and leadership roles will come from a lower socio-economic background.
We want to provide quality employment for hard-to-reach groups, and to do so, we partner with organisations such as DWP, Springboard, the Clink, and the Care Leaver Covenant. From developing outreach programs for job placements to recording disability data, we’re committed to promoting positive social change.
People, planet, partners
On top of social factors, it’s essential to consider the environment in every aspect of the workplace too. We are dedicated to sustainability not just within 14forty, but for our clients as well. This isn’t just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we actively want to come together to protect the planet.
Our Nutrition and Sustainability Manager, B&I, Katrina Francis said:
“For me, sustainability isn’t just a strategy, it’s something I live and breathe every day in my role. At 14forty, I work closely with our clients to turn bold ambitions into real, practical action. Whether that’s helping them map their journey to net zero by 2030, embedding Social Value into their FM services, or making sure nutrition and wellbeing are central to their workplace experience, I’m here to make those goals not only achievable, but meaningful.”
Employees who care
ESG comes into every part of the workplace, even in the most unexpected situations. Recently, one of our employees earned an award for an incredible act of courage when a man was attacked in a hospital and suffered life-threatening injuries. She quickly reassured him, offered proactive medical assistance, and returned to work after the incident. Situations like this show the importance of Social Values for employees and employers alike. After all, businesses are shaped by their people.