Outsourcing Impact Award on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Silver)
Pathways
The Pathways program by Work for Impact aims to revolutionize the outsourcing sector by prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The program provides opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities to develop essential skills and resources for obtaining stable employment.
Using innovative approaches, the Pathways program strives to break poverty cycles and promote diversity in the global workforce through creative strategies.
The Pathways program addresses worldwide inequality by utilizing technology-based education, offering micro-degree certifications, and providing mentorship opportunities. By placing emphasis on inclusivity, the program guarantees that individuals who have previously been left out of the workforce are now able to reach their maximum potential and participate in the global economy.
Established based on ethical employment and social responsibility values, Work for Impact is a certified B Corporation dedicated to making a positive change. The Pathways initiative was created based on this vision, understanding the importance of giving underserved communities the resources and support they need to thrive.
The goal of Pathways is clear but meaningful: to establish a sustainable and fair world marked by interconnectivity, teamwork, and equal chances. It seeks to give people the power to access transformative job opportunities and help boost worldwide prosperity.
The numbers clearly demonstrate the success of the Pathways program. It made a significant difference in the lives of 80 individuals, providing them with necessary skills for long-lasting job opportunities. More than 2,000 individuals have benefited from Wof for Impact’s educational opportunities, with 900 secured ethical employment through the firm.
Pathway’s multiplier effect extends to approximately 4,500 people as employment improves access to education, healthcare, and economic stability in underserved areas.
Work for Impact’s remote work initiatives have also yielded significant environmental benefits. By eliminating commutes, Work for Impact has reduced 1,464 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually and saved 202.5 million kWh of energy each year.
These achievements highlight the intersection between DEI and environmental responsibility, proving that a commitment to inclusion can also support sustainability efforts.
The Pathways program is led by a dedicated team of professionals at Work for Impact. This team focuses on using outsourcing as a tool for positive change and ensures the initiative aligns with the company’s core values of people, planet, and profit.
Through its comprehensive approach, the Pathways program equips individuals with tools and resources to break out of poverty. By focusing on remote education and ethical employment, Pathways fosters a more inclusive workforce while improving the quality of life in underserved communities.
Joshua from Narok, Kenya exemplifies the transformative impact of the Pathways program. After losing his mother and becoming homeless, Joshua struggled to complete his education. Through Pathways, he gained the skills to secure a long-term analyst position at a major African bank. He is now pursuing his MBA while supporting his younger sister’s education, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Similarly, Bir, known as BBC, from Tinchanga, Nepal, worked odd jobs for minimal wages before joining Pathways. Today, BBC is a valued team member at Work for Impact, earning a salary twelve times the Nepalese living wage, which allows him to support his nine family members.
Reflecting on his journey, BBC called Pathways “a turning point.”
“It’s more than just education—it’s about transforming lives, and I am a testament to that transformation,” he added.
In numbers
80
individuals have participated in the WFI Pathways program, gaining skills for sustainable employment
2,000
individuals reached through educational and empowerment programs
900
individuals have secured ethical employment through Work for Impact
4,500
people estimated to be positively impacted through the multiplier effect of ethical employment
1,464
metric tons of CO2 reduced annually from commuting alone
202.5 million kWh
of energy saved annually through remote work initiatives
Now in its second year, the OIR Awards recognize outsourcing companies that have made positive impacts in areas such as community building, education, diversity, and health.
Accompanying the OIR Awards is the comprehensive OIR Report that analyzes each outsourcing company’s impact initiatives and highlights how their projects are transforming lives and industries.
This two-pronged campaign comprises an Outsourcing Impact Awards event, which honors outstanding impact initiatives by outsourcing companies, and an Outsourcing Impact Report, encapsulating the compelling case stories behind these initiatives.
By documenting and acknowledging the far-reaching impacts and corporate social responsibility efforts of outsourcing companies, we aim to foster a broader, more nuanced understanding of the outsourcing landscape and its potential to drive positive change.