Must “Enkelfähig” Be The New Normal For Entrepreneurs?

Enkelfähig. It is an unfamiliar term, unknown to many people. It is very likely you’ve never heard of it. But, if you’re a business owner, you will want to know more about what it means for your business, your profitability, and the potential future of your brand.

 If you’re trying to adapt to global shifts and maintain a sustainable, and gainful business, this one word could be your answer.

 Interested? We thought you might be, so here’s what you need to know about enkelfähig - creating value for generations

Enkelfähig: Creating Value For Generations

Enkelfähig is a term coined by the German company, Haniel. It describes Haniel’s aims to adapt to challenges and conditions in a constantly-changing world. The core of the word, ‘enkel’, means ‘grandchild’, thus, enkelfähig loosely means ‘grandchildable’.

 While this is not actually a real word, it represents an important concept. The principle of the concept is that business enterprises should think about sustainability. More so, they need to consider the consequences their actions will have on future generations.

 It’s all about what corporations can do today to improve the lives of coming generations - their children and their grandchildren.

 Simply put, enkelfähig is about creating value for generations. 

How To Support Enkelfähig

Take Responsibility

To understand the adaptability of enkelfähig, businesses need to understand people and society. Corporations are becoming increasingly socially responsible. They’re taking note of current affairs and social issues and how they affect people.

 Why does this responsibility matter?

 Well, customers, workers, shareholders, and clients - these are all people. Championing social issues impacts your brand image and reputation and affects the perception of your company.

 The possible knock-on effects of a good and socially-conscious reputation are:

●     Customer and client loyalty

●     Brand awareness

●     And an increase in your bottom-line

 In addition, social and environmental issues have generally been left to politicians to handle. But, now it’s time for businesses of all shapes and sizes to get in the driver’s seat and take action.

 Moving toward greener, more sustainable practices is vital if we want to ensure a good future for the next generations. So, it’s important to take responsibility now and start to focus more on sustainability.

Be Value-Oriented

Responsibility is not just about being mindful and invested in the greater society. Enkelfähig is also about creating value for your employees and supporting their futures.

 As an employer, your organization ought to view the health and development of your workers as an extension of your business. This means:

●     Providing adequate health and medical aid support

●     Giving employees the opportunities and assistance they need to improve

●     And nurturing a work environment that supports workers in doing their best.

 Establish and practice a company ethos of ethical conduct, sustainability, fairness, and healthy living. By doing so, your employees will start to buy into your sustainability models and policies themselves. This will create a more sustainable and positive company culture that will help your business thrive in the long-term. 

Making the changes necessary to promote sustainability can be difficult. Workers and clients may even be resistant in the beginning. But, having a value-driven workplace is an essential element in the move to sustainable business. 

Promote Sustainability

As you may have picked up, sustainability is intrinsic to the principle of enkelfähig. So, businesses should develop more sustainable models to secure livability for future generations. These should refer to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as trends around health, climate consciousness, and technology.

 Not only should companies think about sustainability in relation to climate change and future generations. But, they should also consider the link between sustainability and profitability.

 Consider the demands the Coronavirus pandemic has placed on enterprises. Many businesses collapsed as the world moved indoors and remote work took over. Those businesses that had already begun to integrate remote employees and technologies before the outbreak were able to make a smoother adjustment.

 Although COVID-19 was not on the cards, the dominance of technology in business has been for years now. And the sustainably-minded entrepreneur was conscious of this.

Reduce Pollution

For years now, organizations like the UN and WHO have advocated for climate-conscious entrepreneurship - particularly from corporations that contribute immensely to pollution. Yet, in 2020 The Guardian stated only 20 firms accounted for 35% of “energy-related carbon and methane worldwide”.

 Business can implement practical changes to reduce pollution today like:

 ●     Recycling

●     Reducing waste

●     Reducing consumption

●     Reusing materials

●     Using more sustainable materials

●     Revising production processes

Businesses can support enkelfähig by reducing pollution to ensure a future worth living.

Final Thoughts on Enkelfähig: Creating Value for Generations

For entrepreneurs, the concept of enkelfähig is the key to longevity. There is no time to waste and everyone needs to take responsibility and identify ways in which they can improve.

 Corporations and businesses are now called to influence social issues that can no longer be left to politics. Rather, the political, social, and economic intersect for the modern entrepreneur.