Käkikuu Blog

pk-yritys, mikroyritys, vastuullisuustyö, vastuullisuus, yritysvastuu, vastuullisuusraportti, kestävyysraportti, vastuullisuusstrategia, VSME, CSRD. ESRS

Taking Ownership of Sustainability Work in SMEs – Self-Assessment Provides Direction and Practicality

The operating environment for SMEs is changing rapidly – legislation is evolving, stakeholder expectations are growing, and the competitive advantages related to sustainability are becoming increasingly evident. However, for many small and medium-sized enterprises, sustainability work may still appear as a fragmented whole without a clear roadmap. In this situation, the most important step is often to pause, assess the current state, and understand what sustainability really means for our company. A self-assessment of sustainability work is an effective tool for this purpose. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
Luottamus, vastuullisuus, yritysvastuu, työyhteisö, johtaminen

Trust in the Workplace: The Foundation of Success and the Cornerstone of Responsibility

Working life is in constant transformation. Just ten years ago, job advertisements emphasized flexibility, teamwork skills, and the ability to work with a variety of people. Since then, the focus has clearly shifted toward so-called “hard values” and individualism, where employees are expected to demonstrate stress tolerance, a sense of responsibility, and strong performance orientation. This shift presents new challenges for workplace dynamics and collaboration. Yet one factor continues to hold—and even grow in—importance as a foundation for organizational success, well-being, and responsibility: trust. Trust is essential for harnessing intangible assets. It enables risk-taking and commitment, and it enhances the effectiveness and productivity of communication and collaboration. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
omnibus, CSRD, ESRS, VSME, yritysvastuu, vastuullisuus, kestävyysraportointi, kaksoisolennaisuusanalyysi, vastuullisuustyön itsearviointi, pk-yritys

Sustainability Reporting is Changing – What Does It Mean for SMEs?

In February 2025, the European Commission published the so-called Omnibus amendment proposal, introducing significant simplifications and clarifications to corporate sustainability reporting requirements. Although it is still a proposal awaiting approval by the European Parliament and the Council, it is already guiding how companies and experts prepare for the future. Sustainability reporting is changing – again. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
VSME - Käkikuu

VSME Standard – an Impractical Framework for SME Sustainability Reporting

The European Union’s new VSME standard (Voluntary Standard for non-listed Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises) is intended for SMEs that are not subject to the CSRD directive but wish to report on their sustainability. The aim of the standard is to provide stakeholders with information on the company’s sustainability performance, as well as to improve internal sustainability management and access to finance. All of these goals sound promising, but unfortunately, the standard falls far short of the real needs of SMEs and their stakeholders. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
Käkikuu Vastuullisuustyön kuusi askelta

Six Steps to SME Sustainability Work

Sustainability is not just a buzzword – it's a way to build more sustainable and economically viable business. Many SMEs feel that sustainability is a game for large corporations, but in reality, SMEs have significant opportunities to develop their business through responsible actions. So how do you get started and ensure that your sustainability efforts deliver results? Here are six steps to sustainability work for SMEs – a pathway to building a more sustainable business. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
perehdytys on osa yrityksen vastuullisuustyötä

Orientation and a Positive Work Atmosphere as Part of the Company’s Sustainability Work

It is often said that employees are a company’s most important asset. I believe this is true, and that’s why employees should be engaged from the very beginning. From an engagement perspective, it is important that a new employee feels welcome and that the workplace has a positive atmosphere. Key tools for achieving this are proper orientation and an open, equal, and respectful work culture. High employee turnover is costly for a company, as training a new person always consumes resources. Read more…

By Maren Heijari, ago
Yritysvastuu, vastuullisuustyö, CSRD, ESRS, ESG, vastuullisuustrendit

Sustainability Trends for 2025 – What Should SMEs Know?

Sustainability is becoming an established part of business also for SMEs. The 2025 sustainability trends set clear directions for corporate sustainability efforts, which SMEs should prepare for—especially in light of tightening regulation, changing customer expectations, and technological advancement. Here are a few perspectives on sustainability trends and tips for SME sustainability work in 2025. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
CSRD-direktiivin vaikutukset pk-yrityksiin

The CSRD Directive as a Support for SMEs’ Sustainability Work: An Opportunity for Strategic Planning and Impact

The CSRD Directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the broader corporate sustainability reporting requirements it brings have sparked discussion in the business world. Although the CSRD and its ESRS standards (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) do not directly apply to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), their impact extends to the SME sector as well. As large companies and publicly listed firms report Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
yritysvastuu, uudet teknologiat

The Future of Sustainability Work: How Emerging Technologies Are Transforming SME Operations

New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are set to revolutionize sustainability work across companies of all sizes in the coming years. But how will these emerging technologies transform sustainability efforts in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and on what timeline can we expect these developments to become more widespread? Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
yritysvastuu, vastuullisuus, innovaatio, teknologia

Technological Innovations as Drivers of Sustainability in SMEs

SMEs play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development and sustainability efforts, even though their resources and expertise may be limited. Technological innovations offer new tools that can help small and medium-sized enterprises monitor, reduce, and report their environmental impacts more effectively than ever before. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology are examples of innovations that enable the advancement of responsible business practices in SMEs. Read more…

By Jukka K. Niemi, ago
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