Tag: 3BL

Volunteer Appreciation Month takes place every year in April and celebrates the impact volunteers have on our lives and encourages active volunteerism for generations to come. The Medtronic Foundation is committed to supporting communities where Medtronic employees live and give by providing resources that support volunteerism and giving across the globe.  

When Marcus Reid took a job developing talent at Medtronic, he didn’t know that in a few years he’d be using his skills to teach young people on probation to see their strengths − and their potential.

The 30-year Medtronic employee credits his co-workers with helping him see people as people, whether they are selling medical devices or serving time. That, he said, is why he was ready for what happened next, at a fateful dinner with an old friend.

Reid’s friend, a probation officer, shared his concerns that some of his young probationers were destined for a cruel and difficult life in the state penitentiary if they didn’t learn to change their ways.

As a CliftonStrengths coach, Reid had one question: “Do you have something that can tell them what they do right instead of what they do wrong, something that helps them believe in themselves”? The answer was no.

If he could teach salespeople to tap into their potential, he wondered why not young people who are on probation?

That question launched a grass roots initiative that takes Reid on a six-hour drive to Gainesville, Texas to teach people on probation how to discover − and apply − their strengths.

It’s been so successful the District Attorney’s office has asked him to train his staff so they can help reinforce the CliftonStrengths to probationers.

“Now, many are developing a positive sense of self-esteem and starting to believe in their own potential,” Reid said.

Connecting the dots for the greater good

Reid’s grassroots effort has a name: Skills-based volunteering, which connects your unique skills and passions with the needs in your community.

And it’s a way to think outside of the box when it comes to finding − or creating − volunteer opportunities.

“Utilizing your professional skills in this way not only creates lasting, tangible impact for the organization you partner with, but it’s also an opportunity to expand your resume and your network,” said Mandy Iverson, employee experience manager for the Medtronic Foundation.

We encourage employees like Reid to find ways to make a difference in their communities through a volunteer and giving hub and then maximize their impact through the Medtronic Foundation Volunteer Grant and Matched Giving programs.

And if employees find opportunities organically like Reid, their contributions still matter because tracking skills-based volunteering provides valuable insights that help the Medtronic Foundation team fine additional opportunities that fit employees’ passions.

By connecting the dots between his professional experience and the community, Reid is making a difference for young men like James.*

The 20-year-old who grew up with an incarcerated father. His mom died, and he found himself living with his grandma when the pandemic hit. He got into trouble and ended up on probation − and in Reid’s class.

They worked on identifying James’ strengths and areas of emotional intelligence. Now he’s looking into taking business classes at the local community college.

“No one’s ever told me what I’m doing right,” Reid recalled him saying.

He wonders what would have happened if James saw his potential sooner, so he’s looking into bringing the workshop to kids who are still in high school − before they end up in the system.

He also wants to expand the current program to include career assessment tools to take what his students are learning a step further.

“They’re going to have a clear idea of the direction they can go, so they’re not just taking a chance,” he said. “They’re getting an opportunity.”

*Name changed to protect identity

What do we talk about in Episode 3: The Future of the CSO – APAC?

As the role of the chief sustainability officer (CSO) continues to evolve at pace, we are working closely with our network of sustainability leaders to share practical insights into the skills, knowledge and expertise that will be required for the future of the profession, and to inspire the next generation of sustainability change makers. This year, we’ve teamed up with Patricia Dwyer, Founder and Director at The Purpose Business and former CSO for the Shangri-La Hotels, to interview sustainability leaders across Asia, and gather their insights on what it takes to be a CSO in the region. ‘The Future of the CSO – APAC’ series will bring you an in-depth understanding of how the role has changed, how it will continue to evolve, the skillsets required and the challenges that will be faced. It is important that we keep learning, sharing and developing. 

Who is Simeon Cheng?

Simeon Cheng is the Group Director of Sustainability at Vitasoy International Holdings Limited, an international food and beverage company publicly listed in Hong Kong. He is a sustainability professional with 25 years of experience leading the development of sustainability strategies and overseeing implementation in consultancy and corporate environments.

Prior to joining Vitasoy, he served in environmental and sustainability leadership roles at MTR Corporation and CLP Holdings. He has spoken internationally on sustainability topics and has served in many external roles, including being a board member on GRI’s Global Sustainability Standards Board between 2015/16.

Simeon holds a Fellowship in Chemical Engineering, and also degrees in business administration and law.

Who is Patricia Dwyer?

Joining us as the host for the ‘Future of the CSO – APAC’ is Pat Dwyer, an internationally-respected sustainability expert, passionate about sharing her 20+ years of experience and leadership to help businesses in Asia thrive through responsible growth. She has guest lectured, spoken and moderated across global platforms including The Obama Foundation, The World Economic Forum, The Thomson Reuters Foundation, The University of Cambridge and The Climate Competent Boards Certificate Program, sharing her insights in sustainability, purpose, leadership and governance.

Pat and her team of globally-experienced sustainability and business practitioners across industry, academia, NGOs and government at The Purpose Business, guide companies to activate purpose, address ESG impacts and scale sustainability responsibly, in order to future-proof their business. Pat has advised and worked with blue chip companies including MTR, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Marsh Asia, Cathay Pacific, Jardine Matheson, Swire Properties, Universal Robina, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, and Ayala.

Who is Greg Brittian?

Joining the episode as our host and Acre representative is Greg Brittian, Head of Sustainable Business – APAC. Greg leads Acre’s work in sustainable business, focused on the APAC region, with a particular emphasis on senior-level executive searches. Greg has been with Acre for over seven years and during this time, worked globally with some of the biggest names in the consumer goods, manufacturing, extractives, infrastructure and power generation industries. Greg holds a BSc degree in Environmental Science, Economics and Anthropology, and was previously involved in the studies of the emerging carbon credit trading sector in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, environmental consultancy work in the fishery sector of Caborra Bassa, Mozambique, and worked as a countrywide sales manager in Zimbabwe.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

This National Fair Housing Month, KeyBank celebrates the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 by furthering its commitment to make the path to homeownership easier and more equitable through the expansion of its Special Purpose Credit Programs*.

The Fair Housing Act set a precedent to make the sale, rental, and financing of homes nondiscriminatory on the basis of race, national origin, region, sex, disability, and family. Yet, borrowers in underserved communities often remain at a disadvantage as they do not qualify or meet mortgage lending requirements, and access to affordable housing has become limited.

Access to affordable housing options is important to help reduce intergenerational poverty and increase economic mobility**. It also allows individuals to provide a safe place for themselves and their families to thrive. To reduce the barriers of home ownership, KeyBank has introduced the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan, which provides borrowers with qualifying properties affordable terms to refinance their primary residence to obtain a lower interest rate, consolidate debt, finance home improvements, or tap into their home’s equity for any other purpose. The Key Opportunities Loan features a fixed rate, with no origination fee, and a first or second lien option for loans up to $100,000.

Key has also increased its KeyBank Home Buyer Credit SM program from $2,500 to $5,000. This credit can be used toward closing costs and certain other costs that may come with financing a new home, including mortgage, flood and hazard insurance, escrow deposit, real estate taxes, and per diem interest for qualifying properties. Since the program began on Sept. 1, 2022, through April 4th, 2023, KeyBank has funded $465,000 in Home Buyer credits, helping 132 clients achieve their dream of homeownership in the qualifying areas where the program is available. Also, as of April 4th, 2023, KeyBank has had $175.2MM in mortgage loan applications for approximately $847,500 in Home Buyer Credits, to assist 244 clients on their path to homeownership in these locations.

This expansion comes on the heels of KeyBank’s commitment to invest more than $25 million in grants, fee waivers, and marketing over five years to increase mortgage lending in majority-minority neighborhoods, as well as more than $1 million to homebuyer education and other community support.

“At KeyBank, helping our neighbors be able to afford their dream home is critical, yet many homebuyers may be unaware of the tools, resources, and offerings available to them to help them achieve such ownership,” said Victor Alexander, Head of Key’s Consumer Bank. “KeyBank is committed to creating affordable pathways to homeownership and helping homebuyers feel a sense of security throughout the process.”

Visit the KeyBank Fair Housing Month site for more information and learn more about KeyBank’s home lending opportunities and programs at KeyBank’s Mortgage Center. For details on the current state of local markets and to answer any questions you may have on whether a property qualifies for Key’s Special Purpose Credit Programs, KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are available to help.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $200 billion at December 31, 2022. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. For the KeyBank Home Buyer Credit and the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan, geographic restrictions apply. Ask us for details. 
NMLS #399797

Copyright © 2023 KeyCorp®. All Rights Reserved CFMA#230406-2010178

*Special Purpose Credit Programs are, generally, programs that are established to meet special social needs or the needs of economically disadvantaged persons by extending credit to persons who would probably be denied credit or would receive it on less favorable terms, under certain conditions. See 15 U.S.C. § 1691(c)(1)-(3); 12 C.F.R. § 1002.8(a).

** Source: The Effects of Exposure to Better Neighborhoods on Children: New Evidence from the Moving to Opportunity Project | Nathaniel Hendren (harvard.edu)

To mark Women’s History Month, the CGF sat down with members of the all-women team of the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative’s (SSCI) Environmental Working Group (EWG). The EWG is leading the SSCI’s groundbreaking work to develop benchmark criteria for environmental sustainability standards to drive alignment and continuous improvement in the industry. Keep reading to hear about their careers in sustainability, how they came to join the EWG, and their reflections on the role of women in the sustainability field.

Tell us about your experience working in sustainability and how you came to participate in the SSCI Environmental Working Group.

Rita Bielinski, Director, Operations Sustainability, Land O’Lakes (RB): I have been interested in sustainability throughout my career and personal life. My corporate involvement began in the early 90s with the recycling team at General Mills, where I conducted a thorough sustainability audit to persuade leadership to recycle office paper. This was a revolutionary step at the time! From this experience, I learned most sustainability journeys start small and are best forged one step at a time. Currently, I lead Land O’Lakes’ enterprise-wide sustainability efforts as their Director of Operations Sustainability. In this role, I am challenged every day to pinpoint how we can integrate efficiencies into our operations and value chain that allow us to function more sustainably. In addition to helping our environment, our sustainability initiatives help ensure the longevity of our organisation and our farmers’ livelihoods, strengthening food security today to benefit us into the future. Upon accepting this role, I immediately became involved with the SSCI Environmental Working Group to continue making positive progress in our shared sustainability journey, one step at a time.

Janis McIntosh, Director of Marketing Innovation and Sustainability, Naturipe Farms (JM): My passion for sustainability came from my father, who introduced me to the joys and benefits of recycling at a very young age. In 1970s San Francisco, recycling wasn’t easy: it took dedication to collect, store, and drive your recycling across town to a collection event. Years later, when I visited Naturipe’s berry farms, I met farmers with the same passion for sustainability that my father showed me. I realised early on that growers were very modest and would only share their innovative and sustainable farming techniques if asked. I began collecting and cataloging their stories, not only because they are important in and of themselves, but consumers are also increasingly demanding information about products grown in a sustainable manner. Naturipe Farms has appreciated the value of the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative from its inception and initially joined to have our social compliance expert, Donna Lynne Brown, participate in the development of the much-needed social auditing benchmark. I am now pleased to bring my focus on environmental sustainability to this Working Group.

Tamara Muruetagoiena, Director of Sustainability, International Fresh Produce Association (TM): I have been a sustainability professional since the beginning of my career as I always felt I needed to contribute to make the world a better place. I based my education in the sustainability trifecta: society-environment-economy, and spent many years in university studying political science, business administration, and environmental science. Professionally, my focus has been in natural resources working in forestry and agriculture. Believe it or not, I am passionate about the world of sustainability standards and the credibility they provide to sustainable businesses. As the Director of Sustainability at the International Fresh Produce Association, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent this industry at the SSCI and even Co-Chair the EWG.

Jessica Meisinger, Global Sustainability, Animal Health, Merck Animal Health (JLM): I have been interested in sustainability my whole life, including when it wasn’t very popular. When I was 16, I went to a meat processing plant for the first time and I was amazed at how they utilised the animal completely, letting nothing be wasted. I did my graduate work in Meat Science and Muscle Biology and am committed to the sustainability of animal agriculture. In my current role, I am able to both work on optimising our sustainability internally as well as help our customers with their sustainability journeys. A healthy animal produces sustainable food and it is my goal to help make the world a better place. I am therefore extremely happy to have the opportunity to Co-Chair the SSCI and to represent my industry.

The EWG has a stellar all-women team of sustainability experts, and gender equality is key to achieving the SDGs. Why is it important for women to have a voice in the sustainability field? In your view, how are women’s issues and sustainability challenges connected? 

JM: For centuries our environment has been referred to as Mother Nature, who creates, nurtures, and protects. All these attributes are innately who we are as women and allow our EWG team to approach each issue in a very conscientious and collaborative way. Women have long struggled for equality and have succeeded by embracing their inner warrior. There is no group better suited to protect Mother Nature than a team of passionate, intelligent, preservation-minded women. Environmental sustainability is an epic battle, and through determination and strength, our current and future warriors will continue to fight the good fight.

RB: I graduated with a chemical engineering degree in the late 80s, a time when there were not many other women in my classes – and those who were in the field were facing an uphill battle against bias and microaggressions. When we fast forward to now, we see women make up only 28 percent of the STEM workforce according to the American Association of University Women. While this signifies progress towards equality, we have much further to go. This gap matters because diverse perspectives are integral to finding sustainable solutions that work for everyone. Persisting inequality restricts women’s access to resources and decision-making opportunities, leading to inequity in solutions.

JLM: I agree completely with the others. Diversity helps expose blind spots, which is so important when working towards true sustainable solutions. It is fantastic to see the progress that women have made in STEM but there is still a very long way to go, especially when you look at the gender makeup of upper management and C-suite executives in most companies. It’s very inspiring to see the passion of the next generation of women leaders.

TM: I agree as well – we have a great team in this Working Group leading the SSCI’s contributions to protecting the environment. Women should be able to have a voice and be equally represented in every field, and we all benefit when we can learn from a diversity of voices and viewpoints.

Which female sustainability leader(s) inspire you?

TM: Interestingly, sustainability is an area where there are now many women leaders and that is very inspiring. Jane Goodall is probably my greatest inspiration in this field.

RB: While there is still room for increased representation in the sustainability field, I’m inspired by the leaders—both around me and around the world—who are demanding change through action. I look to my daughter, who earned her PhD in mechanical engineering and is paving the way for the next generation of women in STEM. Her generation gives me hope, with leaders like Greta Thunberg at the forefront. I also continue to be inspired by the stories of women like Ellen MacArthur—after her impressive sailing career, she is dedicating her time and resources to building a circular economy.

Looking to the future, how do you think women can make a difference in the sustainability, business, and responsible sourcing fields?

TM: I truly enjoy how balanced the field of sustainability is today, and I hope it can be a model for other professions and fields.

RB: Everyone can make a difference in sustainability by continuing to prioritize sustainable solutions to problems in their personal lives and in their work. No act is too small, as changes in individual behaviour can directly influence businesses’ strategies. We know that companies are paying attention to these consumer behaviour shifts, working to make products and their operations more sustainable.

JM: Be inquisitive, ask the hard questions and always look at the unintended consequences in each situation. Sustainability is complicated, dynamic, and long-term. Set your sites on the goal, be willing to listen and, most importantly, support and encourage the next generation of environmental champions.

JLM: Everyone can make a difference when it comes to sustainability, whether it is at work or at home. If you have an idea, find like-minded people to work with, and make it happen.

RB: If you’re interested in taking sustainable steps in the workplace and don’t know where to start, take a page from my book and try to find existing groups or volunteering activities focused on things like recycling in the office, organizing carpool options, and more. When motivation wanes, I find that it can be helpful to remind yourself of the impact sustainable decision-making can have on the longevity of our planet and people – by centring on this purpose, we can really make a difference.

Interested in joining or supporting the Environmental Working Group to help drive alignment and continuous improvement among sustainability standards? Contact the SSCI team here.

RESTON, Va., April 6, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, today announced it has once again been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

“Being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is a reflection of the unwavering dedication and integrity of the Leidos team,” said Roger Krone, Leidos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our shared commitment to upholding our core values in every decision and action we take is what sets us apart and inspires us to reach new heights of excellence.”

This marks the sixth consecutive year for Leidos to receive this honor from Ethisphere. The company is one of only two honorees in the Information Technology Services category. In 2023, 135 honorees were recognized, spanning 19 countries and 46 industries.

“Ethics are embedded into all facets of our company,” said Courtney Edmonds, Leidos Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer.” As new evolutions present new challenges and opportunities, we continue to invest time and resources to train our employees. This supports a consistent understanding of our company’s expectations and continuing to lead through ethical practices.”

Ethisphere evaluates each year’s honorees by assessing their culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, and diversity. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe.

“Congratulations to Leidos for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere CEO.” Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance. We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership.”

Ethisphere’s long-standing belief that financial performance and ethics go hand-in-hand continues to be validated by the “Ethics Premium.” Ethisphere’s annual practice of tracking how the stock prices of publicly traded honorees compare to the Large Cap Index found that 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies® outperformed the large cap sector by 13.6 percent over the past five calendar years.

The full list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® can be found at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com

We had the pleasure of meeting some incredible volunteers from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind at our offices in Limerick and Dublin last week and they even brought with them some four legged friends – Logan, Tommy, Lexi, Oonagh and Vinny.

We were delighted to host an internal event for this great charity.

Our gift to them will help go towards training and taking care of Guide and Assistance Dogs and Ambassador Dogs. The support these dogs provide is invaluable, an Assistant Dog is trained to work with a child with autism and their family.

Northern Trust is also delighted to announce we have sponsored a puppy, proudly named “Vinny”. At 9 weeks old we are thrilled to hear he is now placed with his puppy raiser who will raise him over the next 12 months starting his journey through the guide programme.

Best of luck Vinny!

Kohler is committed to providing mission-critical energy solutions and building resiliency for a sustainable future. Collaborating with Robert Swan, a small KOHLER team designed a custom energy solution and powered the Undaunted South Pole expedition to success. Swan has dedicated his life’s work to the preservation of Antarctica and the planet through promoting renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change through his 2041 Foundation.

This customized KOHLER generator utilizes a KOHLER diesel engine fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The fuel is 90 percent carbon neutral and sourced entirely from waste products, making it part of a circular economy. HVO is a high-quality replacement of fossil diesel made from waste vegetable oils and other sustainable materials. It allows generator users to adopt low carbon, renewable energy without compromise on performance.

Kohler’s portfolio of energy products is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide reliable, resilient power when the grid cannot, making them a dependable energy solution for Swan. Kohler has a proven history of resilient power solutions that have survived the unforgiving terrain of the South Pole. More than 90 years ago, Admiral Richard Byrd powered his Antarctic journey with KOHLER generators, and they were his only means to communicate back to the civilized world from the depths of the Antarctic. Swan and Kohler’s partnership on the Undaunted Expedition honors the progress of resilient and clean energy solutions and celebrates future possibilities of helping to control climate change and preserve the planet.

For details on our carbon reducing generators, click here: https://hvo.kohlerpower.com/

Originally published on Essity.com

Building innovative brands for customers and consumers

We aim to retain and strengthen our product category leadership and to build number one or two market positions by launching innovations based on customer and consumer insights that boost sales and build leading brands.

Winning brands for improved well-being

Innovation at Essity is driven by customer and consumer insights, market trends, new technologies and business models. We supply essential hygiene and health solutions that enable better hygiene and health as well as experiences at home and in public spaces. This is achieved by supporting the effectiveness and efficiency of hygiene and health routines, and by preventing and treating various health conditions. By leveraging our global presence and economies of scale, we strive to accelerate the pace of our innovation and our results.

Essity holds the number one or number two position in approximately 90% of the company’s branded sales. A high proportion of branded sales demonstrates product superiority, meaning the first choice for customers and consumers, thereby further strengthening our leading brands.

Our brands are strengthened through Essity’s marketing campaigns, which have a clear purpose to break barriers to well-being. By reaching and following our customers and consumers in digital channels, we increase the value of marketing investments. Together with product innovation, this creates reliable and appreciated brands.

Sustainable solutions for people and planet

There is growing interest among customers and consumers in making sustainable choices and also paying a premium for these. During the year, Essity further strengthened its offering of sustainable solutions in all its three business areas. 68% of innovations launched in 2022 yielded social and/or environmental improvements.

Reusable solutions

During the year, Knix and Modibodi were acquired, two leading companies in leakproof apparel. Leakproof apparel is washable and reusable, thereby reducing consumer waste compared with disposable products. Through these acquisitions, Essity is the global market leader in leakproof apparel1, the fastest growing product segment in Intimate Hygiene, which includes Feminine Care and Incontinence Products. Essity also sells leakproof apparel under such brands as Libresse, Bodyform, Saba, TOM Organic and TENA.

In Baby Care, Essity launched a hybrid diaper under the strong Libero Touch brand during the year. The diaper consists of an absorbent disposable insert and a washable cloth diaper, resulting in a 35% reduction in climate impact and 22% less waste compared with a standard diaper.

Raw materials and packaging for a lower carbon footprint

Essity strives to increase the use of recycled and renewable material in packaging and products. In 2021, Essity began tissue manufacturing using pulp from wheat straw at its production facility in Mannheim, Germany. The pulp produced will have lower carbon emissions, use less water and energy as well as fewer chemicals. In 2022, the first consumer tissue to the retail trade was launched under the Zewa brand, and the launch received a highly positive response from consumers.

In Medical Solutions, Essity launched Leukoplast Eco, environmentally friendly plasters manufactured from at least 90% natural and renewable material and in Feminine Care, pads were launched under the Nana brand in packaging manufactured from at least 80% plant-based and recycled material.

Value-creating digital innovations

New digital technologies create opportunities for better hygiene and health outcomes and experiences. Essity has launched several successful digital solutions in recent years.

In Health & Medical, for example, Essity has launched TENA Bladder Sensor, a wearable ultrasound sensor that measures levels in the bladder and sends a notification when it is time to visit the bathroom, and the TENA Family Care App, which makes life easier for caregivers of family members in the home. Cutimed Wound Navigator is a digital wound management solution. The innovative mobile app registers the size and other properties of the wound. An assessment is carried out based on this data to offer the patient the most suitable care and wound care product.

In Professional Hygiene, more customers are seeing the advantages of Tork Vision Cleaning, which enables cleaners of public spaces to use real-time data to ensure better hygiene outcomes and experiences.

Read more about Essity’s strategic priorities, earnings and leading sustainability work in the Annual and Sustainability Report 2022, which can be downloaded at www.essity.com.

To access the digital short version, please click here.

1Estimate based on market data compiled by Essity

 

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Aura Rodriguez, a banker who works at a U.S. Bank branch in south Charlotte, North Carolina, is a self-described “biggest fan” of U.S. Bank’s cobrowse feature.

The industry-leading technology, which was introduced broadly three years ago this month, allows customers to share their screen and get step-by-step guidance from their local banker – on both mobile app and online banking.

“Before cobrowse, there were so many times I’d be on the phone with a customer and keep having to ask, ‘What are you seeing now?’ It was frustrating for the bankers and frustrating for the clients, especially the ones who didn’t feel as comfortable with technology,” Rodriguez said. “With cobrowse, now it’s so easy.”  

It’s so easy, in fact, that Rodriguez recently was able to cobrowse with a customer who had been visiting the Pineville branch several times a week to conduct routine transactions like depositing a check or keeping tabs on her account balance. The customer said she typically avoided interacting with technology – hence all the visits to the branches – but within just a few minutes Rodriguez had showed her how to do a mobile check deposit, lock her ATM card and look up her balance. The customer now just drops by the branch to say hello to Rodriguez, but hasn’t needed help with a single banking transaction since – she does them all herself digitally.

“It’s empowering for our customers. She was so grateful – and so proud of herself that she can now do all of this on her own,” Rodriguez said. “She told me she now has all of this time back since she doesn’t have to get to the branch when it’s open.”

A human + digital approach

U.S. Bank ramped up cobrowse during the early days of the pandemic and social distancing guidelines. But the company quickly realized the feature had staying power and would have long-term value to customers even after lockdowns were lifted, because it’s so convenient and helps customers conduct their transaction or get guidance from local bankers no matter where they are. In fact, usage only accelerated after branches reopened. More than one in four U.S. Bank customers have now used cobrowse, and millions have used it multiple times.

Because they love it. In customer satisfaction survey results, customers report 97% satisfaction with the feature – a level of satisfaction that is almost unheard of in any industry. It truly has become a key part of how we serve customers in the way that works best for them, and a strong indicator of the effectiveness of our human + digital approach to provide the best experiences in banking.

“The pandemic certainly accelerated clients’ adoption of digital tools, and they enjoy being able to DIY their banking when and where it fits their needs,” said Tim Welsh, vice chair, U.S. Bank Consumer and Business Banking. “But they still want to have that human connection – especially when it comes to more complex needs like making big decisions and setting goals. So, we’ve invested in many ways to do things together, including new video banking experiences that put us at the intersection of digital and people.”

Making ‘the best experiences in banking’ even better

Those new video banking experiences include adding cobrowse with video in 2021, allowing branch bankers to appear on one-way video so customers can see who is helping them – enhancing the interaction and making it feel more personal. U.S. Bank was the first in the industry to introduce live video of the banker, and customers have said that being able to see who they are talking to on video is reassuring and gives a greater sense of security.

We continue to add new features to the experience, like two-way video – meaning a customer can choose to appear on video as well, if they so wish. This puts the decision in the customer’s hands, giving them the option of having whichever level of visual interaction with the banker they feel will help them most. We also integrated Live Chat with cobrowse, so bankers can invite customers to a cobrowse session while chatting on both Mobile App and Online Banking.

And cobrowse is even helpful during in-person visits to the branch. Like the example shared by Wade Glover, a branch manager at the Kearny Mesa location in San Diego. One day, a mother and daughter came into the branch distraught because they weren’t certain of the best way to send money to the daughter when she moved away to college. With a quick cobrowse, Glover showed them how to download the mobile app, enroll in Zelle, add each other as recipients – and test it out right there.

“They were so pleased to know we had Zelle and mobile banking right there in the app – no additional downloads needed,” he said.

It’s all about helping customers bank in the way that works best for them.

NEENAH, Wis., April 6, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Goodnites, the #1 bedwetting underwear1 brand, announced a new partnership with the Autism Society of America, America’s largest and oldest grassroots Autism organization, to educate, support, and provide solutions for families of children with Autism who are in need of a longer-term bedwetting solution. Since inventing the absorbent bedwetting underwear category in 1994, Kimberly-Clark’s Goodnites brand has been committed to empowering users to have a dry night’s sleep and wake up awesome! Its bedwetting underwear is designed to provide children ages 3 to 17 a dry night’s sleep with 35% fewer leaks2. While bedwetting is a common occurrence among most children, children with Autism and/or ADHD may face a longer experience with nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting. 

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month this April, Goodnites will donate $150,000 to the Autism Society of America to support education and community efforts throughout 2023. As part of the programming, the brand is also unveiling new proprietary research illustrating the impact of bedwetting on families of children with ADHD and/or Autism, sharing awareness-driving content across digital channels, and amplifying influential voices in the neurodivergent and parenting space to help reduce the shame and stigma around bedwetting through education.

Driven by insights, Goodnites is committed to supporting this underserved group by combating the bedwetting stigma and giving parents and children the comfort that they are not alone. Through an ongoing partnership with the Autism Society of America that extends through 2023, the two organizations will support the community through educational resources, national and local community events, and advocacy. Designed with these families’ needs in mind, Goodnites will unveil a resource hub later this year to provide free access to bedwetting education tailored to the Autism and ADHD communities with contributions from the Autism Society of America.

In January 2023, Goodnites conducted a survey among 1,000 U.S parents of children with Autism and/or ADHD, ages 3 to 17. The survey uncovered the physical, emotional, relational, and mental impact that bedwetting has on families of children with Autism and/or ADHD. The study found:

Three-fifths of parents of children with Autism and/or ADHD who experience bedwetting express increased feelings of anxiety (60%) and helplessness (58%).About two-fifths of these parents also state that bedwetting has made their child more anxious (41%) and lowered their child’s self-esteem (38%).Half (50%) of parents say their child’s bedwetting has caused them to feel like a failure as a parent and roughly half (48%) of parents feel bedwetting has led to concerns that others will judge them.Participants expressed that they feel friends (71%) and family (65%) don’t understand the challenges of parenting children with Autism and/or ADHD.

“The Goodnites brand is proud to stand up to the stigma and shame wrapped up in wet sheets and begin a conversation to help parents of children with Autism and ADHD find answers and solutions to help their kids wake up dry for a better start to the day for the whole family,” said Aaron Gretebeck, Kimberly-Clark’s North American Vice Present of Goodnites. “We are proud to partner with the Autism Society of America to fulfill the shared goal of empowering families of neurodivergent children with educational resources and meaningful support.”

To better serve the needs of children who experience longer-term bedwetting and provide size inclusive products with outstanding comfort and fit, Goodnites launched a dedicated XL size in 2021. Following this launch, consumer data showed that the second largest group of XL buyers were parents of children with disabilities. One in six children experience bedwetting, and of those who experience bedwetting, one in 10 has a disability, with Autism and ADHD being the most prevalent3. While bedwetting is a common occurrence among many children, it can have a greater impact on families of children with Autism and/or ADHD who experience additional physical, emotional, relational, and mental tolls on their everyday lives.

“Goodnites is addressing challenges faced by many in the Autism community with higher support needs, that are not often talked about,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “The resources this partnership creates will serve as a starting point for conversations that will help break the stigma in a community that can often feel isolated and underserved.”

 

1 Youth Pant Category Share Data 
2 vs. Boy Large vs. Ninjamas Boy Large 
3 Goodnites Bedwetting Diary Study, ©Burke, Inc. 2021