society.
Who should engage with ESG?
Whether you’re a startup, a multinational, or an individual making ethical choices, ESG shapes the way we interact with society and the economy.
In a world where transparency, equity, and accountability are more than just ideals — they’re expectations — the “S” in ESG is stepping into the spotlight. Society is not a passive backdrop to business. It is the very context in which organisations operate, grow, and thrive.
But who does ESG apply to? Spoiler alert: everyone. From global corporations to local startups, supply chain partners to everyday consumers, the principles of ESG extend far beyond boardrooms and sustainability reports. They influence how we make decisions, build trust, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient world.
The Social Pillar: Beyond Good Intentions
The social pillar of ESG is about how an organisation interacts with people — employees, customers, communities, and society at large. It covers areas such as human rights, labour practices, workplace diversity, health and safety, social equity, and community impact.
But social performance isn’t just about corporate philanthropy or nice-sounding values on a website. It's about embedding fairness, safety, and inclusivity into the DNA of your business operations.
For example:
Are your workers paid a living wage?
Are your suppliers upholding ethical standards?
Are your customers being treated with transparency and respect?
Are you contributing positively to the communities you operate in?
These are not abstract questions. They’re measurable, material, and increasingly scrutinised by investors, regulators, and consumers alike.
ESG Isn’t Just for the Big End of Town
There’s a common misconception that ESG is only relevant to listed companies or large corporates. In reality, social performance matters at every scale.
Startups are being asked about ESG by investors. SMEs are under pressure from clients and suppliers to meet social and ethical expectations. Even family-run businesses are facing questions from conscious consumers about how their products are made and who they impact.
And then there are individuals — the employees, consumers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through their everyday choices. Ethical investing, purpose-driven purchasing, and values-led employment preferences are all examples of how the social dimension of ESG is influencing markets from the ground up.
ESG is not a corporate trend. It’s a cultural shift.
Social License to Operate
A business might have a legal license to operate, but without a social license — the support and acceptance of the communities it impacts — its operations can be at risk.
Think of industries like mining, construction, agriculture, or even tech. If communities feel excluded, misled, or harmed, they will push back — through activism, regulation, or market rejection. Social license is earned through meaningful engagement, respect, and shared value.
Organisations that take the time to build relationships with stakeholders, listen to concerns, and act with transparency are more likely to retain trust — especially during times of change or crisis.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Business Imperative
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just HR buzzwords. They’re central to long-term performance and innovation.
Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones, that inclusive workplaces are more productive, and that equitable practices reduce risk and improve retention. Social equity is not only the right thing to do — it’s also good business.
That’s why leading organisations are setting targets, disclosing their workforce data, and embedding DEI into their strategies. Not for optics, but because a just and inclusive workplace is critical for resilience and growth in a globalised world.
Individuals as ESG Agents
ESG isn’t just something done by businesses — it’s shaped through the people within them.
Employees at all levels are becoming ESG advocates, challenging outdated norms, asking better questions, and pushing for values alignment. Consumers are demanding transparency and sustainability from the brands they support. Investors — including everyday Australians through their superannuation — are shifting capital toward ethical and socially responsible companies.
This shift isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now. And it means that each of us plays a role in shaping what ESG looks like in practice.
Kinetiq ESG: Social Impact with Strategy
At Kinetiq ESG, we help organisations of all sizes understand their social footprint, engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and create frameworks that drive real, lasting impact.
We believe ESG should never feel like a burden or a brand exercise. It should feel like what it truly is: an opportunity to lead with purpose, connect with people, and build a business that’s fit for the future.
Because ESG isn’t just a checklist. It’s a conversation — about who we are, what we value, and how we show up in the world.