As a Certified B Corporation, we're in a unique dance. We move to a rhythm that values all stakeholders - our employees, customers, community, and yes, our founders too. But today, let's focus on a step that's critical to this dance: paying a living wage.

Time is finite. It's the one resource we can't make more of, and it's the most valuable thing our employees give us. When we ask for their time, we're asking for a piece of their lives. How can we claim to value our people if we don't ensure they can live comfortably on what we pay them?

Some might argue that maximizing shareholder value should be our top priority. Others say employee well-being comes first. At our B Corp, we've learned it's not an either/or proposition. By paying a living wage, we create value for all:

• Employees can focus on their work without financial stress
• Customers benefit from engaged, loyal staff
• Our community thrives when its members are financially stable
• Shareholders see sustainable, long-term growth

Implementing a living wage isn't always easy. It requires creativity, commitment, and sometimes tough choices. But we've found that when we lead with our values, the numbers follow.

Here's how we approach it:

1. We regularly reassess what constitutes a living wage in our area
2. We build fair compensation into our business model from the ground up
3. We're transparent about our wage policies, inviting dialogue with all stakeholders

This approach has led to lower turnover, higher productivity, and a reputation that attracts top talent and conscious consumers alike.

November 4 to November 11 is Living Wage Week. We are proud to recognize this week and encourage others to embrace a living wage policy. Here is a list of just some of the regional living wage employers that we wanted to shout out:

1. Mission Services of London

2. London Environmental Network

3. London Brewing Co-op

4. Nuts For Cheese

5. Libro Credit Union

6. ReForest London

7. Urban Roots London

8. Growing Chefs! Ontario

9. Selectpath

10. Citation Canada (Formerly HRDownloads)

You can discover more living wage employers at the Ontario Living Wage Network

"A living wage directly advances several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as well as Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. It also contributes materially to the achievement of several other Goals. Wages are among the most important conditions of work and a major subject of collective bargaining" 
United Nations Global Compact

As B Corps, we're called to be the change we seek in the world. By prioritizing a living wage, we're not just talking about stakeholder value - we're living it.

What's your experience with implementing living wages? How has it impacted your business and community? Let us know - let's learn from each other as we dance towards a more equitable future.