We're 'Best For the World' — again!

Five Idaho companies were recognized as among the “Best For the World” for efforts to create the most positive environment for workers, customers and the environment while adhering to progressive governance policies.

Oliver Russell received nods in the Best For Workers and Best For Governance categories. President and founder Russ Stoddard says,“We’re proud of the work we’ve been doing for 27 years to positively impact our employees and the larger community.”

Boise-based Flynner Design+Build received Best For the Environment recognition. The custom home-builder owned by Scott Flynn specializes in energy efficient houses, including net-zero, passive solar, and those that meet the National Green Building Standard.

“Myself and the rest of the Flynner team couldn’t be more proud,” Flynn said. “It is proof how a small group of sustainability-minded people can positively impact the world.” 

The awards are based on an independent, comprehensive assessment administered by the nonprofit B Lab. Honorees can be viewed here.

“As consumers, talent and investors increasingly demand transparent, values-aligned businesses to buy from, work at, and invest in, companies will need to not just be the best in the world but the best for the world. Not just to be nice—but to be the most successful,” said Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of B Lab.

Inclusion in the lists means that a company earned a score in the top 10 percent of more than 2,400 Certified B Corporations on the B Impact Assessment in 2017. To certify as a B Corporation, companies must complete the full assessment and have their answers verified by B Lab. Companies repeat the assessment every two years to ensure the certification’s high standards are continuously being met.

The Workers section measures how companies treat workers through compensation, benefits, training and ownership opportunities provided to workers. The category also focuses on the overall work environment within the company by assessing management/worker communication, job flexibility, corporate culture, and worker health and safety practices. Oliver Russell made the list thanks to exceptional practices including paid parental leave, remote and flexible work options and an employee wellness stipend of $50 a month. The company also contributes 100 percent of employee health insurance costs. 

The Governance award evaluates a company’s overall mission, ethics, accountability and transparency, measuring whether a company has adopted a social or environmental mission, and how it engages its employees, board members and the community to achieve that mission. Oliver Russell scored highly because employees have weekly access to financial information and equitable profit sharing (including for part-time employees). 

The other Idaho companies recognized in the Best For the World lists include:Terra Genesis International, LLC (Best For the Environment, Driggs), Flynner Design + Build (Best For the Environment, Boise), The Caprock Group (Best For Customers and Best For Workers, Boise), and Jitasa (Best for Governance, Boise).