We can make a difference, we can make change, and we can be a force for good by helping alleviate poverty, building strong communities and looking after the environment.
Given the significant threat to our livelihoods from climate change, we currently talk a lot about decarbonisation and our climate transition plans – but do we talk enough about our social impact?
Take TTG’s mental health survey
Social impact is defined as the effect on people and communities resulting from an action or inaction, an activity, project, programme or policy. It’s the way we behave as a business, how we look after people’s wellbeing, how we champion diversity and inclusion, how we give back to the local community, and what and how we choose to purchase.
In short, it’s the effect an organisation has on people and the planet. Many organisations are focused on measuring their environmental impact, but can the same be said for social performance?
Take mental health and wellbeing as an example; during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, TTG reported that 86% of travel professionals experienced a decline in mental health.
At that time, agents and operators were under extreme stress owing to not being able to meet consumer need and while dealing with issues outside of their control. They did their best to positively influence as much as they could, but these pressures took their toll.
In response, TTG and Abta LifeLine launched the Get Travel Talking Champions initiative, with LifeLine funding mental first aid training for five volunteers to equip them with the necessary skills to be able to talk to travel colleagues who might be struggling.
But do we really know enough about the causes of mental health in our workplace? It might be financial stress, the responsibility of caring for someone, juggling work and childcare.
Do we have enough knowledge to think about tailoring support packages to best meet the needs of different communities and demographics to make a positive difference? Are we fostering a culture where people can openly talk about their mental health?
LifeLine and TTG will be discussing these questions during Mental Health Awareness Week in May. In the meantime, please do complete TTG’s new mental health survey so we have a benchmark of where people are now with their mental health compared with 2020.
Click/tap here to access TTG’s 2023 mental health survey
Developing ways to collect data on our social impact is so important. It can help identify areas where we can improve and provide much needed information to be able to collaborate, share resources and highlight the positive social contribution the industry is making.
We can drive meaningful social change by integrating positive social purpose into our business plans, company culture, values and ethos; our DNA.
In a recent interview, the chief learning officer and global head of wellbeing at Unilever said: "Companies with purpose will last, brands with purpose will grow, people with purpose will thrive. Companies that lift their values, and put their people first will stand out."
It’s something for us all to think about.
Trudie Clements is director of the Abta LifeLine charity.
