From October 7th to 11th, 2024, two local SMEs in Yecla, Spain, Plumas Yecla and Etimoe Decoración, participated in 20 hours of tailored coaching on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These sessions were part of the ALLVIEW project and aimed to enhance the companies’ understanding of sustainability and CSR practices in line with international standards. The coaching, led by CSR and sustainability expert María Sánchez Melero from AMUEBLA, was specifically designed to meet the unique needs of each company, with a focus on practical implementation.
Both companies were selected after workshops and surveys conducted in the early stages of the project. Plumas Yecla, a family-run business with 20 employees that manufactures pillows for the household and furniture sectors, already had a strong focus on environmental sustainability through certifications like ISO 14001 and the Global Recycled Standard. Their coaching sessions concentrated on deepening their understanding of social and governance aspects, particularly regarding the development of equity plans to promote diversity and inclusion within their workforce. On the other hand, Etimoe Decoración, a smaller company with 10 employees, which specializes in furniture manufacturing and varnishing, was at an earlier stage in its sustainability journey. The coaching aimed to introduce them to sustainability principles and explore how CSR practices could be integrated into their overall business strategy.
The coaching sessions, combining in-person and online learning, were conducted at the companies’ facilities and included site visits, group discussions, case studies, and personalized tutoring. On October 7th, the first session introduced the companies to the key concepts of CSR, with a focus on the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit—and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Real-world examples and industry-specific case studies helped participants understand how CSR practices can enhance business performance, particularly in the furniture sector.
On October 8th, the second day of coaching involved site visits to both Plumas Yecla and Etimoe Decoración, where participants observed the companies’ current CSR practices. These visits provided valuable insights into how sustainability efforts were being implemented and highlighted areas for improvement. Plumas Yecla’s focus on environmental certifications and sustainable manufacturing practices was evident, while Etimoe Decoración explored ways to balance environmental responsibility with their business goals.
The third day of coaching, held online on October 9th, focused on the practical application of CSR strategies tailored to the specific needs of each company. For Etimoe Decoración, the session provided detailed guidance on achieving ISO 14001 certification, which would help the company strengthen its environmental management systems. For Plumas Yecla, the focus was on designing and implementing equity plans to ensure fair treatment and opportunities within their workforce. Both companies were given actionable steps to integrate these strategies into their operations, allowing them to make meaningful progress in their CSR journey.
On October 10th, the fourth day of the coaching program, the focus remained on deepening the practical application of CSR concepts. The sessions provided further personalized support, helping Etimoe Decoración advance its understanding of environmental certifications and guiding Plumas Yecla in refining its equity plans. The companies were also given additional resources to continue learning independently, with the coach available to provide ongoing support.
The final day of the coaching program, on October 11th, provided an opportunity to review the entire coaching experience. Both companies received personalized feedback on their CSR action plans, with recommendations for further improvements. Participants expressed positive reflections on the process, noting the valuable insights they had gained and their commitment to integrating CSR more fully into their business models. The session concluded with both companies affirming their dedication to advancing their sustainability efforts.
This coaching initiative contributed significantly to the promotion of CSR in the local furniture sector. While the concept of CSR is often viewed through the lens of the triple bottom line—environmental, social, and economic—the sessions primarily focused on environmental and social aspects. For Etimoe Decoración, the coaching provided a solid introduction to sustainability, equipping the company with the tools to pursue environmental certifications and implement sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Plumas Yecla demonstrated its commitment to socially responsible management by developing an equity plan aimed at fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
These sessions not only helped both companies address critical sustainability challenges but also aligned with the broader objectives of the ALLVIEW project. By integrating environmental and social considerations into their business models, both Plumas Yecla and Etimoe Decoración are well-positioned to enhance their long-term success while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive furniture industry.