Three Companies That Still Put People First

"Nothing reveals character like a crisis." We wrote this recently and, as predicted, during the Corona crisis, companies revealed their true colors. Recently, we highlighted the bad. So let's turn to the good, and highlight organizations that not only talk about putting people first, but also walk their talk. Let's applaud those that put their money where their mouth is in difficult times.

Here are three inspiring companies that show you should always put people first – and especially in times of crisis.
Basecamp
First Basecamp, American software company.
David Heinemeier Hansson, founder of Basecamp, recently shared a new policy for its software on twitter:

He added: "Employee surveillance goes against everything we believe at Basecamp. So refusing such apps access to perpetrate their ills against employees on our platform wasn't hard."
Basecamp’s newest policies now take a stand against remote user surveillance. They write: "We’re about remote work within an environment of trust, not spying on your employees. It’s recently come to our attention that some third-party integrations go beyond traditional time tracking functionality to surveillance. We’re not okay with that and we’re codifying that stance in this policy update."
And they walk the talk. This is what the new policy states: "Third parties may not access and employ the API if the functionality is part of an application that remotely records, monitors, or reports a Service user's activity other than time tracking, both inside and outside the applications. The Company, in its sole discretion, will determine if an integration service violates this bylaw. A third party that has built and deployed an integration for the purpose of remote user surveillance will be required to remove that integration."
Bravo!

Chobani
Second, Chobani, American yoghurt manufacturer.
Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani's founder, writes: "Right now our families, friends & neighbors are facing some of their most difficult days. But thanks to so many heroes - like our nurses & doctors, grocery store clerks, delivery people, plant workers & farmers - they don't have to face this pandemic alone."
When you buy local, you’re supporting the small businesses that anchor our communities.
Chobani turned their Chobani Cafe in New York City into a temporary food pantry so they can support the immediate needs of, and give critical support to, families in their communities in the weeks and months ahead. Ulukaya writes, "We believe food banks should be celebrated & supported by everyone in the community. A place where families are nurtured and hope gathers."
They are also committed to sending a truck-a-day to food banks across the US that are desperately in need of supplies. This is on top of a million cups of yoghurt they have already donated to their communities recently.
Patagonia
Third, Patagonia, the American retail company.
A month ago Patagonia took the brave decision to close all their retail stores and distribution centers for the health and safety of their employees and customers. While they were closed for business, they promised employees they would just pay them as usual.
Now, one month later, and after lots of internal preparation, Patagonia is back in business. But to ensure high levels of safety for employees and customers, they limited the times of their operations. They provide and require wearing of face masks and gloves for all on-site employees. They also installed temperature scanners at all building entrances as an extra precaution.
Now these precautions are in place, they are taking orders again. They still however call upon their community to be responsible. This is what they say:
Let's end with one more of their powerful statements: "When you buy local, you’re supporting the small businesses that anchor our communities." Amen to that!
Your call
These three American companies show that putting people and community first in times of crisis is vital.
I'm curious to hear more stories of such inspiring companies. Do you know of any? Please drop them below in the comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Replies (13)


I am so grateful for CORPORATE REBELS.
Your commitment and mission to visit and share the truths about GREAT COMPANIES helps me as one of the messengers of what's possible. Over 30 years ago, I learned about Ricardo Semler and his vision for a new way of working. His story has been a favorite of mine to share.
REBELS, I will passionately share what you do in the world wherever I speak and on my new website when it goes live.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! WE ARE BLESSED BY YOUR EXISTANCE.

Joost,
Across the Atlantic, Medicamenta Ecuatoriana and the whole Tecnofarma group is taking care of all its employees. Everyone is receiving their salary as usual and we will not return to normal activity until is safe enough. Not doubt that this will be a hard year on sales but company priorize people

not to mention Timpson's in the UK, cobblers and key cutters and often listed of one of the best places to work in the UK and has a history of helping ex-offenders:
https://twitter.com/JamesTCobbler/status/1261945101263265797
"The furlough top up for our colleagues to 100% of pay costs us £500,000 a week, not £500,000 a month as it says in today’s Sunday Times. It’s worth every penny to help our colleagues and their families through some tough weeks."

Yes - I agree with this! I've heard nothing but good things about Timpsons. They are a family owned business - started in 1865 and surviving through two world wars - and genuinely (and often quietly) go about doing the right thing. One of their more recent statements on their website: "There are 5,500 colleagues in our family and everyone has stood up to the mark" - in our family.... great!

enjoyed the read and would include Brian Chesky @airbnb to the list
https://news.airbnb.com/a-message-from-co-founder-and-ceo-brian-chesky/
readers may wish to take a look at Eloise Hanson's top 5 hospitality CEO video messages to staff during the crisis too:-
https://www.boutiquehotelnews.com/features/snapshot-ceo-call-to-arms
Latest articles
Bulent Duagi
Excellent examples, thanks for sharing!