Today, the question of impact is no longer limited to financial results. The expectations of consumers, employees and investors are changing: they want to know if the company contributes positively to society and the environment. But how can we translate this ambition into concrete figures? How do we know if the actions taken really have an effect on the world?
Measuring impact is not just a communications exercise or a marketing gimmick: it is a tool to improve performance, guide decisions and strengthen the legitimacy of the company.
Why measuring impact has become essential
A few years ago, social or environmental impact was often seen as a “plus”, a bonus complementing financial profitability. Today, it is at the heart of the strategy.
1/ Consumer expectations are changing
A recent study shows that 70% of consumers favor brands that act responsibly. Customers want to understand the effect of their purchases: are they supporting social causes? Do they reduce the ecological footprint?
2/ Investors demand proof
Responsible funds and ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) investors are increasingly analyzing companies on their overall impact. A company that cannot demonstrate its positive contribution risks missing out on essential capital for its development.
3/ Retain talent and motivate teams
Employees want meaning. Working for a company that has a positive impact strengthens commitment, creativity and loyalty. Measuring impact makes it possible to communicate on successes and promote the role of each employee.
4/ Anticipate risks and opportunities
Accurate impact measurement identifies areas for improvement, potential risks and new opportunities. It transforms an abstract ambition into a concrete lever for innovation and sustainable performance.
Define what we mean by “impact”
Before measuring the impact, it must be clearly defined. Impact is not limited to good intentions: it concerns real and measurable changes produced by the company.
1/ Social impact
It’s about the effect of business on people and communities. This may include:
- Job creation and working conditions
- Inclusion and diversity
- Training and skills development
- Contribution to local or international causes
2/ Environmental impact
This concerns the company’s ecological footprint:
- Reduction of CO₂ emissions
- Waste management and recycling
- Sustainable use of resources
- Production of environmentally friendly goods or services
3/ Economic impact
Beyond profit, it is about measuring the effect of the company on the local and global economy:
- Support for local suppliers
- Investments in innovation
- Creation of shared value
Once these dimensions are defined, the next step is to choose the indicators that will allow them to be monitored and quantified.
Methods to measure impact
Measuring impact is not a single exercise: there are several complementary approaches, which make it possible to draw up a clear and reliable picture.
1/ Quantitative indicators
These are the concrete figures that make it possible to measure change:
- For the environment: tonnes of CO₂ avoided, liters of water saved, percentage of recycled materials, energy consumption per product.
- For social: number of beneficiaries of an action, employee satisfaction rate, hours of training provided, diversity of teams.
- For the economy: turnover generated locally, number of jobs created, investments in innovation.
These indicators have the advantage of being clear and measurable, but they must be contextualized to reflect the company’s real effect on the world.
2/ Qualitative indicators
Some impacts are less easily quantifiable but just as important:
- Testimonials from beneficiaries or collaborators
- Opinion studies and satisfaction surveys
- Social or environmental impact studies carried out by experts
This qualitative data allows us to understand the lived experience and the real scope of the company’s actions.
3/ Standards and certifications
To give credibility to the measurements, several standards and certifications can be used:
- B Corp: assesses the social and environmental impact of companies using a rigorous methodology.
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): provides an international framework for sustainability reporting.
- ISO 26000: international standard on corporate social responsibility.
These tools offer a proven methodology and allow performance to be compared with other organizations.
Steps to implementing effective impact measurement
1/ Define the company’s objectives
Before any measurement, it is essential to know what the company wants to achieve. Is it about reducing your carbon footprint? To improve the well-being of employees? To have a positive effect on local communities? A clear mission allows you to choose the relevant indicators.
2/ Select the appropriate indicators
The indicators must be:
- Relevant: reflect what is truly important to the company and its stakeholders.
- Measurable: easy to quantify and track regularly.
- Comparable: allow progress to be monitored over time.
3/ Collect data
This step requires organization and rigor:
- Implement monitoring tools (dashboards, specialized software)
- Train teams to collect and analyze data
- Ensure the reliability and transparency of information
4/ Analyze and interpret the results
Measuring only makes sense if you understand what the numbers mean. An in-depth analysis allows you to:
- Identify successes and areas for improvement
- Adjust strategy to maximize impact
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders
5/ Communicate transparently
Transparency is key. Stakeholders need to know what the company is doing, what results it is achieving, and what challenges remain. Honest communication builds trust and credibility.
Concrete benefits for the company
Measuring the real impact of your company is not limited to a moral approach: it is a real strategic lever.
- Continuous improvement: measurement helps identify what is working and what needs to be optimized.
- Attractiveness for talent: employees want to work for companies that have meaning and values.
- Credibility with investors and customers: reliable data builds trust and opens up new opportunities.
- Innovation: analyzing impact allows you to identify new ideas to create value responsibly.
Mistakes to avoid
For impact measurement to be effective, it is important to avoid certain deviations:
- Limit yourself to intentions: a good intention has no value if it does not produce concrete change.
- Accumulating too many indicators: complexity can drown out the information. Better to have a few relevant and reliable indicators.
- Omitting transparent communication: Hiding limitations or failures can damage credibility.
- Confusing measurement and marketing: impact should not be used only for external communication, but integrated into the company’s real strategy.
