Doing Business for Good: Why We’re Getting Certified (and Why You Might Want To, Too)

Doing Business for Good: Why We’re Getting Certified (and Why You Might Want To, Too)

At WorkLife, we’ve always believed that business can be a force for good,

that workspaces and the people within them can strengthen communities, build connections, and contribute to something bigger than profit. Over the past couple of years, we’ve taken steps to make that commitment official by applying for B Corp and Social Traders certification, joining SECNA, and beginning the process of aligning with the People and Planet First global framework.

It’s been a revealing and sometimes challenging journey, but one that’s helped us sharpen our focus on what it really means to do business for good.

Why We Decided to Get Certified

The short answer? Because we already were one.

From day one, WorkLife has been about creating spaces that support people – not just productivity. Our coworking communities bring together remote workers, local businesses, and not for profits in regional towns, helping people find connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

When you operate with that kind of mission, it makes sense to align with others who are doing the same. Certifications like B Corp and Social Traders, and frameworks like People and Planet First, are about proving that your intentions are built into your structure, your decisions, and your impact.

We wanted to hold ourselves to that standard and to join the growing movement of businesses that are redefining success.

What Each Certification Means

B Corp

B Corp certification is the gold standard for measuring a business’s social and environmental impact. It looks at how you operate: your governance, supply chain, employee wellbeing, community contribution, and environmental footprint.

The assessment is rigorous – and that’s the point. To qualify, you need to prove that your values are embedded into your operations… not just stuck on the wall in the staff room. It asks tough questions, demands documentation, and often reveals where your good intentions could use a little more structure.

It’s also part of a global movement. As B Corp describes it, these businesses are “leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.” By joining that community, we’re aligning ourselves with organisations around the world who are actively building a fairer, more sustainable future.

Effort: ★★★★★ (Highest)
Tip: Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Don’t rush!
Fee breakdown:

Social Traders

Social Traders certification is specific to Australia and formally recognises a business as a social enterprise. To qualify, you need to demonstrate that your purpose is clearly stated in your constitution and that more than half of your profits are directed toward achieving that social or community mission.

Throughout the assessment, we produced evidence to state our case, revisited our constitution, and added a clause that explicitly commits WorkLife to “doing business for good.” It was a simple but powerful change – it locks our values into the DNA of our company and ensures they’ll stay there, no matter who’s in charge.

Effort: ★★★☆☆ (Fairly high)
Tip: Connect with their team if you need assistance – they were great.
Fee breakdown: All membership fees were removed in 2024.

SECNA (Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT)

While not a certification, a SECNA membership connects us to a statewide network of social enterprises, advocates, and changemakers. It gives us a seat at the table in conversations about policy, funding, and the future of ethical business. Through SECNA, we share what we’ve learned, learn from others, and collectively raise the profile of social enterprise across Australia.

Effort: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Tip: Join early – it’s a strong network and a great source of sector support.
Fee breakdown:

People and Planet First

People and Planet First is a global verification framework for enterprises that place social or environmental purpose at the centre of their business model. It’s also the simplest and most affordable of the major purpose-led verifications, making it an excellent starting point for businesses wanting to formalise their impact.

The framework uses a straightforward points system across five standards – purpose, operations, revenue, use of surplus, and structure. To be eligible, an enterprise needs at least one point in each category, giving a clear, accessible picture of how purpose is embedded throughout the organisation. It’s also gaining traction as a global standard for social procurement, with governments and large institutions increasingly using it to identify purpose-led, preference-eligible suppliers.

Effort: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Tip: Map your purpose against the five standards — it quickly shows where your strengths are and where you might want to formalise your structure or documentation.
Reward: A low-cost verification that opens doors to social procurement opportunities and connects you to a global ecosystem of partners and supporters.
Fee breakdown: $135 to get verified, and $110 per year.

What the Process Actually Took

We won’t sugar coat it, applying for these certifications took time. You’re asked to gather evidence, measure impact, and translate your values into policies and processes. It was incredibly clarifying.

Some practical shifts we made along the way:

It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress. A rewritten policy here, a new metric there — it all adds up.

Transparency, Accountability, and Alignment

Certification is both a mirror and a megaphone. It forces you to look inward and evaluate how your business measures up to your values, while also sending a clear signal to the world about who you are and what you stand for.

This transparency creates accountability. It keeps you honest, strengthens your decision-making, and attracts partners who care about the same things.

A Global Community of Good Business

One of the unexpected joys of this process has been realising how big this movement really is. Once you join the community, you’re instantly connected to thousands of organisations around the world that are all doing business for good.

It’s a ready-made network of partners, suppliers, and collaborators who share your values. You don’t have to compromise your ethics for convenience. Whether you’re looking for a product supplier, an accountant, or just inspiration, you’re surrounded by people who see the world the same way you do.

Why It’s Worth It

Certification isn’t just a logo – it’s a compass. It helps you make decisions with clarity and consistency, especially when things get busy or complex.

For our team, it’s brought a sense of pride and purpose. For our partners and members, it’s a signal that we’re serious about our commitments. And for councils and collaborators, it’s proof that we’re walking our talk.

There are practical benefits, too:

But perhaps the greatest benefit is becoming part of a community that values progress over perfection and collective impact over competition.

Why Other Businesses Should Consider It

If you’re running a small or regional business and thinking, “That sounds nice, but it’s not for me,” think again.

You don’t need a sustainability department or an impact officer. You just need intent — and the willingness to make small, consistent improvements.

Start by asking:

The process turns vague good intentions into measurable action. It gives you language to talk about your impact. It reminds you that profit and purpose can absolutely coexist.

The Bottom Line

Becoming certified isn’t about chasing labels. It’s about building better habits, clearer systems, and a stronger connection to why your business exists.

For us, these certifications are the next step in living what we already believe: that when business and community work together, everyone benefits.

So if you’ve ever thought about formalising your “good business” intentions, consider this your nudge.
Start where you are. Make one change. Join a network. Write it down.

Because doing business for good builds the kind of world we all want to work in.

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