With so much going on in the world, we need more positive changemakers. The Filipino spirit of bayanihan is exactly what we need to boost morale in this trying time.

As business owners – although this time can be challenging for you as well – you can also be part of various bayanihan and humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This list released by Reputation Institute (RI), a leading reputation-management consulting firm that annually releases data-driven rankings of companies worldwide, proves that ethical and socially responsible business practices improve business growth.

If you’re still at a loss for ways on how to help, we listed a few ways how you can make a positive impact during the COVID-19 crisis:

1. Host an online program or webinar

You can initiate a series of online learning session that resonates with your brand. Since physical distancing is strictly being implemented, you can host online workshops or training sessions.

Organizing such initiative builds rapport and strengthens your relationship with your target audience. To further strengthen your initiative, you can partner with other reputable organizations or companies which can create more credibility and visibility.

2. Give back in kind

Sudden unemployment. The lack of supply for essential items. The threat of business closures. These are some challenges we are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You might ask yourself: How can I help?

In your own way, you can make a positive impact by organizing a donation drive to help vulnerable communities that are extremely affected by these trying times. Your business can also donate some personal protective equipment to help our frontliners who are serving and doing their best to save lives.

3. Launch eco-initiatives

The climate crisis is widely agreed upon as one of the defining global problems of this era. To help avert this impending catastrophe, many people are trying to reduce our carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly alternatives in our personal lives and in our businesses (recycled paper, anyone?).

Teaming up with local environmental groups for sustainability initiatives will not only show your brand’s commitment to positive social impact; it might also earn you brand new eco-conscious customers.

4. Introduce ‘pending’ products

The ‘suspended’ or pending coffee story traces its roots to Naples, Italy, where coffee is paid for in advance as an anonymous act of charity for strangers who cannot afford to buy it.

Anyone in need can simply walk in the establishment and ask if a ‘pending coffee’ is available. If a pending coffee is up for grabs, then they can go ahead and get one.

If your business is selling products, take this Neapolitan tradition into consideration; it cultivates the trifecta of generosity, compassion, and money. While doing this initiative, you have to make sure that you are following health protocols.

5. Support local 

As much as we want to go back to the normal, things will never be how it used to be as long as there’s no vaccine yet for COVID-19. We have to accept the ‘new normal’ which brings economic impact especially to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With this, entrepreneurs need to support each other in order to survive and thrive. Commit and join the initiative to support and buy local. In this way, you help MSMEs survive the crisis.

In these trying times, the call to serve and help one another should be at the core of your business. This does not only show your value as a company but it also improves people’s lives within and outside your business.

Remember, your business can be defined by how you respond to a crisis.