Esker, a global cloud platform and leader in AI-driven process automation solutions for finance and customer service functions, today announced that it has received two awards for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. Business sustainability rating platform EcoVadis awarded Esker the Platinum Medal for achievements in corporate sustainability management, thereby placing it in the top 1% of companies evaluated across all industries. EthiFinance’s Gaïa Index, a non-financial analysis and consulting agency that supports businesses in managing risks and opportunities related to sustainable development, ranked Esker among the most exemplary businesses by awarding an overall score of 76/100. These two achievements underline Esker’s continuous commitment and leadership in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and reflect its exemplary approach to sustainable development.
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“On a daily basis, we are committed to optimizing our entire organization in terms of social, environmental and governance issues”
CSR weaves through all of Esker’s operations and solutions
Positive-sum growth, the concept that a company’s economic development must have a beneficial impact on its entire ecosystem, society and the environment, constitutes the foundation for Esker’s long-standing commitment to social and environmental sustainability. Beyond the impact of Esker’s business operations, the company is focused on business process automation and digital transformation, which benefits the environment as much as it enhances the human capital of its customers.
“On a daily basis, we are committed to optimizing our entire organization in terms of social, environmental and governance issues,” said Jean-Michel Bérard, CEO at Esker. “Our growth strategy and position consist of bringing innovative and responsible solutions to companies and delivering a positive impact on their stakeholders and society in general.”
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Continually striving to improve CSR performance
The Gaïa Index and EcoVadis awards round out this year’s CSR efforts at Esker. Along with being presented with a third-place ranking for ChooseMyCompany’s ESG ImpactIndex®, the company has also implemented proactive measures to strengthen gender equality and inclusion in the workplace, established a shared ownership plan accessible for all employees and obtained the employee health and safety ISO 45001 certification. Esker’s relationships with its suppliers are governed by a Sustainable Procurement Policy, including a CSR questionnaire that facilitates the evaluation of suppliers, helping them develop a more engaged CSR approach.
The Platinum Medal is the highest distinction awarded by EcoVadis for efforts in environment, social, human rights and responsible purchasing. With an overall score of 74/100, Esker’s CSR performance increased by six points compared to last year and now ranks in the top 1% of evaluated companies. Among other efforts, Esker is placing a strong focus on sustainable transportation, employing a fleet of hybrid vehicles and encouraging bicycle and public transportation use for its employees. 2020 also saw Esker’s first “Green Week,” an occasion for events and special training sessions for employees focusing on ecology and energy use both at work and in private life.
EthiFinance’s Gaïa Index for ESG performance of European SMEs and SMIs rated Esker with an overall sixth-place score of 76/100. This ranking, which has been steadily increasing over the last few years, places Esker above the national benchmark average of 59/100. The company obtained this outstanding assessment by formalizing a demanding environmental policy. As proof of its commitment to transparency, Esker annually publishes the company’s greenhouse gas emission values (direct and indirect, including Scope 3). Another performance factor includes Esker’s ability to attract and retain talent, exhibiting a low employee turnover rate of 8.76% as compared to other companies active in the software field.
“It is an honor to have our efforts recognized by EcoVadis and Gaïa Research, and I would like to congratulate all Eskerians for our collective success,” concluded Bérard. “In the face of the continuing challenges of addressing climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to be a leader and a model in terms of sustainability for our employees, customers, suppliers and the planet.”