Reynaldo Lugtu Jr. l April 28, 2023 l The Manila Times
IN today’s world, sustainability has become a critical issue for businesses to address. With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental concerns, customers are now looking for companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations. However, sustainability alone may not be enough to ensure customer loyalty. A positive customer experience is equally crucial in retaining customers.
Customer experience and sustainability are two concepts that are becoming increasingly intertwined in the business world. Customer experience refers to the overall interaction a customer has with a company, from the first point of contact to post-purchase. This includes factors such as product quality, customer service and ease of use. On the other hand, sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves managing resources in a way that minimizes negative environmental impact.
The relationship between customer experience and sustainability can be explained through the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, which is a company’s responsibility to operate in an ethical and sustainable manner. This includes engaging in sustainable practices such as reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste and using eco-friendly materials. By implementing sustainable practices, companies can reduce their negative impact on the environment and improve their reputation to their customers.
Customers also expect a positive experience from companies. They expect things like excellent customer service, timely delivery and a user-friendly interface. In fact, a study by Accenture found that 83 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience. Therefore, companies need to ensure that they not only prioritize sustainability but also provide a positive customer experience.
As consumers are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment, they are looking for companies and brands that prioritize sustainability. At the same time, companies are realizing that sustainable practices not only benefit the planet, but also lead to better customer experiences.
One way in which sustainability and customer experience intersect is through the use of eco-friendly materials. Many companies are now using materials that are renewable, biodegradable or recyclable in their products and packaging. This not only reduces waste and pollution, but also sends a message to customers that the company is committed to sustainability. When customers feel that a company shares their values, they are more likely to become loyal customers and recommend the company to others.
Another way in which sustainability and customer experience are linked is through transparency. Companies that are transparent about their sustainability practices and goals build trust with their customers. This includes sharing information about their supply chain, carbon footprint and efforts to reduce waste and emissions. When customers feel that a company is open and honest about its impact on the environment, they are more likely to support that company and feel good about their purchases.
Sustainability can also enhance the overall customer experience by improving the quality of products and services. For example, companies that invest in sustainable agriculture or manufacturing practices may produce products that are healthier, higher-quality and more reliable. Similarly, companies that prioritize energy efficiency or renewable energy sources may be able to offer lower prices or better service to customers. When customers have a positive experience with a company’s products or services, they become loyal customers and recommend the company and brand to others.
Finally, sustainability can create new opportunities for customer engagement and innovation. Companies that are committed to sustainability can use this as an opportunity to involve customers in their efforts. For example, they might solicit feedback on new eco-friendly products, or encourage customers to share their own sustainability tips and stories on social media. This not only creates a sense of community and involvement, but also helps companies to learn from their customers and create new products and services that meet their needs.
Customer experience and sustainability are two concepts that are increasingly interconnected. Companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations can create better customer experiences by using eco-friendly materials, being transparent about their sustainability practices, improving the quality of their products and services, and engaging customers in their sustainability efforts. When companies and customers share a commitment to sustainability, it can lead to long-term loyalty and a healthier planet for future generations.
*** The author is the founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He teaches strategic management in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. The author may be emailed at rey.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com.