What goes around comes around

We’re all familiar with the phrase ‘what goes around, comes around’, but do we live by it?

The Internet of Things and our ever-connected digital world have led to a vast increase in the amount of data that we, as a global community, generate, store, and examine.

But what do we do with all that data? At Qlik, as a data analytics company, it’s in our blood to analyse that data. But as global citizens, we know there is so much more we can do with it, and so much more we can do for others.

As a technology company, and one that deals with data on a daily basis, we are very lucky; we have access to the information, tools, and resources that many organisations don’t.

We know better than to just throw money at problems, hoping that will help fix them or simply make them go away.

From assets to assistance

But for those businesses at the beginning of this journey it’s important to recognise the first steps a company should take, and to understand how we can really change lives.

For large companies, it’s high time to put your money where your mouth is. To not have a socially responsible program or donation scheme in place is unacceptable. Utilising business assets to make the world a better place can change lives on a global scale.

At Qlik, partnering with charitable organisations like the United Nations and Medair has proved highly fruitful. They have the know-how and people on the ground while we have the tools to support them, and together we can really make a difference.

For example, we took datasets around health and nutrition metrics, demographics, and the immediate needs from Medair as a foundation for the annual Deloitte/Qlik haQathon. Ideally, the output from the competition would be used by the charity to better assist refugees.

In this way, not only are practitioners able to develop their skills professionally through the haQathon, but as a company we can create products that have a global impact.

From little things big things grow

Not all organisations, particularly start-ups, are able to invest time and money into CSR programs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference in other ways. Each and every company can look at their internal data and make small changes to minimise the impact made on the planet, for example.

Pledging to develop strategies that create positive environmental outcomes (for example, encouraging employees to take public transport to work) can really make a difference.

Offering charity days for employees – where employees use a work day to volunteer with a charity – can help to engage staff in CSR efforts.

By the same token, organisations can get involved with local charities to assist the vulnerable in the community who need support. This can act not only as a great CSR program, but also help with team bonding.

Every little bit makes a difference – that’s the important thing to keep in mind. From starting small – engaging with a charity on a personal level through charity days, or pledging to participate in a charity event as a team – to contributing on a larger scale, like offering your assets as a company to a charity, every contribution helps.