When you give everyone inside your business a voice, you can save lives.
In 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda crashed into the Philippines. Winds roared across the country smashing 1.14 million houses. Relief supporters were manually collecting information on demographics, hazards, food distribution, and safe housing. But this information was taking weeks to gather, and solutions were taking even longer.
When I-Sah Hsieh, Director of Corporate Social Innovation at SAS heard about the delays, he decided to help. Using his expertise in data analytics, I-Sah started an aid side-project. Within minutes, I-Sah was able to provide information to help the relief team determine locations most in need and the types of resources required.
I-Sah’s side project sparked a movement within SAS. I-Sah realized there were other people in the organization who were also doing aid work in their free time. Together they organized themselves into 'Analytic Volunteers'.
Ideas from all levels
Now, SAS employees who want to support disaster relief or social missions with their analytical skills, have the space to do so. SAS Analytic Volunteers have provided crucial data to assist with disasters including Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Florence in 2018.
SAS, a leader in analytics software is a prime example of how building a Great Place To Work For All™ is better for the world. I-Sah shared his story of using data for the global good at our 2019 Great Place To Work For All Summit.
What does it mean to be a Great Place To Work For All?
For All workplaces are those who create a work culture that benefits people of all ages, genders, races, and abilities. Whether you employ part-time sales clerks or a CFO, your workplace enables each person to flourish.
I-Sah initially acted on his own. His work was not a social responsibility effort mandated from the top. Because SAS has built a positive workplace culture, employees feel comfortable exploring their curiosities and using their talents to make positive global impacts.
Our research has shown that companies that build this kind of culture generate more high-quality ideas. For All companies can implement ideas faster and adapt to change better. Resulting in 5.5 times the revenue growth of peers with a less inclusive culture.
So how do you make an impact on the world through company culture? You give your people the space to be creative and innovate. You let them follow their curiosities and passions. You encourage them to use their talents for good. Create a great company culture and see the impact your organization can have on the world!
To learn more about how SAS uses Data For Good, visit sas.com. Find out how to create a For All culture at your workplace and talk to one of our people.
