In today’s world, success in business is measured not only in numbers but in the impact it leaves behind. True progress happens when economic growth goes hand in hand with social responsibility, improving people’s lives, supporting local communities, and contributing to the development of the territories where companies operate.
Social responsibility is a key pillar for building a more conscious business model. Inclusion, investment in training, and initiatives that strengthen their teams and the communities they serve are just some of the ways companies can make a meaningful difference.
What does it mean to be socially responsible, and how does it concretely translate into everyday business practice? In this article, we showcase three initiatives by Italian companies—Eni, Lavazza, and Benetton—that demonstrate how business can thrive while making a positive impact on society.
Eni: corporate volunteering as a bridge with local communities
In 2025, Eni launched a corporate volunteering program that allows employees to dedicate part of their working hours to community-focused projects. Employees can use up to two paid days per year for initiatives organized with nonprofit organizations of their choice.
The goal is to provide tangible support to local communities while fostering internal cohesion, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
What can we learn from Eni? Corporate volunteering makes a real difference in communities, allowing employees to contribute their time, skills, and energy where it matters most. At the same time, it helps employees build stronger relationships, find deeper meaning in their work and contribute to a more cohesive and purpose-driven corporate culture.
Even small businesses can make a difference—through simple initiatives such as dedicating a day to volunteering, partnering with a local nonprofit, or developing ideas generated by employees.
Lavazza: training as a tool for inclusion
Attraverso il programma A Cup of Learning Lavazza dimostra la formazione può essere uno strumento potente per promuovere l’inclusione sociale.
The company invests in the professional development of young people in vulnerable situations, equipping them with practical skills to enter the job market within the coffee supply chain. Since its launch in 2017, the project has involved more than 700 participants across 20 countries.
The program offers two main paths: one focused on green coffee, providing technical skills to assess product quality, and the other on barista training, with hands-on modules on grinding, extraction, espresso machine use, and latte art.
Within this framework, Lavazza has also developed AdAstra, a free training program for NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in North Italy. In 2024 alone, 43 young people participated in a program combining soft skills development with 40 hours of technical training at Lavazza’s Training Center in Turin. The outcome? A post-training employment rate of 75%.
What can we learn from Lavazza? Every company can turn its distinctive expertise into a tool for social impact. Offering high-quality training to those with fewer opportunities gives them a real chance at inclusion and professional growth. It’s a concrete way to fight economic and social marginalization and to contribute to a fairer society.
Benetton: building an ethical supply chain for responsible fashion
In the fashion industry where supply chains stretch across multiple countries and involve many suppliers, ensuring decent working conditions is not only a logistical challenge but also an ethical duty. Benetton was one of the first Italian fashion brands to implement a responsible supply chain model.
At the heart of its strategy is a binding Code of Conduct for all suppliers, requiring respect for human rights, environmental protection as well as safe working conditions.
Since 2024, Benetton has adopted the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM), a global tool for assessing the social impact of supply chains. Each supplier begins with a self-assessment covering aspects such as working hours, wages, health and safety.
Independent third parties then verify these assessments through on-site visits, worker interviews, and analysis of working conditions. This process helps identify issues such as excessive overtime or restrictions on union rights and triggers concrete improvement plans.
Partnerships may be suspended or terminated if problems persist.
The overall objective is to build long-term relationships based on transparency and shared responsibility. Benetton guides its suppliers through a continuous improvement process, embedding social responsibility into every stage of production.
What can we learn from Benetton? Building a responsible supply chain means carefully selecting partners who share your values such as respect for human rights, workplace safety and transparency. It’s not only about choosing and overseeing suppliers, but also about building partnerships that promote better practices across the industry.
A supply chain rooted in transparency and shared values becomes more resilient in the long run. It is better equipped to prevent risks linked to poor labor conditions or reputational damage, protecting the trust built with customers, investors, and communities.
What your company can do
Social impact comes from the ability to create authentic connections with people and places. Every company – regardless of size or sector – can generate shared value through initiatives such as employee volunteering, skills development programs, ethical supply chain practices, or other actions that serve the common good.
If these initiatives have inspired you and you’re ready to apply similar principles in your organization, reach out to us.
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Social impact: 3 initiatives to learn from