1st Edition
The Wellbeing Purpose How Companies Can Make Life Better
In a turbulent world of geopolitical change, declining trust in institutions, and increasing scrutiny of companies, the big question facing leaders is: what difference does business make? Lots of companies talk about social impact, but few have defined what it really means. This book sets out a more human form of capitalism with people at its heart.
The Wellbeing Purpose is the first book that explains how companies can make life better across their value chains, from sourcing raw materials to innovating, marketing and selling products and services. This book is a blueprint for raising life satisfaction for all those touched by a business – suppliers, employees, communities and consumers. It sets out the steps for any organization to create profits (wealth creation) whilst simultaneously making life better (wellbeing enhancement).
Drawing on his experience as a political adviser and business consultant, Hardyment takes us on a journey across the global footprint of business. There are some startling findings along the way. Case studies from pioneering firms and the latest scientific research are used to explain how any organization can source, make and market products that create wealth and wellbeing. This is a manifesto for business to profit through helping more people to realize the good life.
Chapter 1: Introduction – Why happiness matters
Chapter 2: Science – Measuring the good life
Chapter 3: Money – Wages and wellbeing
Chapter 4: Source – Supply chain satisfaction
Chapter 5: Make – Employees and the workplace
Chapter 6: Sell – Marketing for life enhancement
Chapter 7: Trust – Ethics and the community
Chapter 8: Strategy – Business models for life
Biography
Richard Hardyment has spent over a decade advising companies on responsible business practices and sustainability. He is a director at Corporate Citizenship, a global management consultancy. He was previously a political advisor in Westminster for a UK political party and senior strategic advisor at Forum for the Future.
"Purpose is firmly on the corporate agenda. There can be no higher purpose for a company than contributing to human wellbeing. This book offers an invaluable look at what this means in practice, and shows how the science of happiness, if wisely adopted, can be an inspirational force for a new generation of leaders."
Dame Polly Courtice, Director of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability.
"It’s good to see such a direct challenge to the stale world of Corporate Social Responsibility. The Wellbeing Purpose is well-researched, well-written, and well-judged, and I suspect that more companies are already re-thinking their obligations in terms of their ultimate social purpose, and their true responsibilities for both staff and employees."
Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director, Forum for the Future.
