Kinly launches CSR strategy to address unmet business needs

Kinly launched its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy to meet demand from global businesses, more than half of whom (53%) are struggling to find AV suppliers that can meet their ESG requirements.

This is according to Kinly’s Trusted Connections 2024 research report, which surveyed 425 enterprise AV professionals working in the UK, Germany, the Nordics and the Netherlands.

The study also found that despite the difficulty in finding suppliers, almost three-quarters (70%) of companies agree that AV investments will be essential to their ESG strategy in 2024.

Led by Rhea Horlock, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Kinly’s new CSR strategy aims to fill this gap, combining sustainability, ethical practices and community engagement to provide businesses with a supplier that aligns with their ESG goals.

Rhea was hired to develop and execute the new CSR strategy, which goes beyond just managing the impact of Kinly’s operations. It also examines how the company can encourage its customers to make more sustainable decisions. With nearly half (47%) of companies prioritizing improving sustainability and ESG goals in 2024, it is critical that they work with partners who are building sustainability-focused solutions .

Kinly’s commitment to ‘sustainability by design’ takes a tailored approach, selecting suppliers that align with its customers’ sustainability priorities, from use to materials, energy efficiency, e-waste or all of the above. From configuring a solution through to its installation, use and eventual disposal, the entire lifecycle is designed to have as little environmental impact as possible.

At all stages of Kinly’s “sustainability by design” approach, the company also provides its clients with data on the environmental and social impact of their design decisions. This is particularly important given that Kinly’s research shows that of companies that recently undertook a workplace communications transformation project, a third (36%) improved their sustainability in less than 12 months.

As well as supporting its customers, Kinly’s CSR strategy also looks at its operational impact, focusing on reducing the company’s carbon footprint, creating inclusive careers and helping people to connect.

Kinly is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a goal it will achieve by assessing and reducing emissions caused by its offices, vehicles and business travel, as well as engaging its supply chain . Kinly’s CSR approach also considers broader issues such as representation in the tech industry. The company is committed to:

• Deliver 1,000 hours of employability training and career support to underrepresented groups and people facing barriers to labor market access by 2026.
• Have 35% female representation and 10% representation of people with disabilities in the company by 2035
• Support 10,000 people towards careers in the technology sector by 2050

Commenting on the new CSR strategy, Tom Martin, CEO of Kinly, said: “At Kinly, we are fully committed to promoting sustainable and socially responsible business practices that not only benefit the communities in which we operate, but also promote customer satisfaction. employees and guarantee the long term. the sustainability of our company and those with whom we work.

“The commitments we have made as part of our new CSR strategy are evidence of this commitment and will serve to drive forward not only the business but the industry as a whole. »

Rhea Horlock added: “We know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to CSR and sustainability, and we are proud to lead the way in developing a strategy that focuses on areas where we can. have the greatest material impact on the environment. world. This strategy reflects our commitment not only to participating in the market, but also to setting a benchmark for responsible business practices. By integrating sustainability into the very fabric of our operations, we aim to minimize our environmental impact while maximizing social benefits.

“We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters innovation and respects all voices. By helping people connect and tackling digital exclusion, we are committed to ensuring that technology serves as a bridge, not a barrier, for people across society. This holistic approach is not just about doing good, it is also about doing good to our planet and its inhabitants. »

To learn more about Kinly’s new CSR strategy, please view the full report here. Kinly’s Trusted Connections 2024 research report can be viewed here.