Why should companies address poverty issues?
The benefits to companies of addressing poverty issues are many. Companies that have invested in corporate responsibility policies and made steps towards improving the impact of their business are widely respected, recognised as leaders in their sectors and have increased the value of their brand. Such reputation benefits ultimately impact the financial bottom line. Implementing changes linked to social and environmental concerns to core business cuts costs and improves efficiency. Health and safety and good human resource policies reduce time off due to accidents and can increase staff morale and retention; recycling of industrial waste can be cost-effective; avoiding court cases and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) criticism through good practice reduces fines, pay-outs to claimants, and bad press. How does CARE work with companies? Markets can be a tool for poverty alleviation, as they enable people to sell their produce and earn a living. We often link our market-access projects
