You can't save the world.
It's shocking how much the Covid pandemic has affected our lives; what has impressed me most is that it affects us all—it's a democratic pandemic; all countries, rich and developing, on every continent. There are countless efforts by so many people trying to remedy this situation; I think about it carefully and I'm aware that I can't do anything to save the world. Of course, I'll wear a mask and follow all the experts' recommendations. I can't save the world, I can't eliminate Covid, I can't help children and young people return to school soon, I can't change the situation we're all living through. The only thing I can do is decide how I'm going to face the most serious and complicated situation my generation has ever had to endure. The only thing we can do is decide how we're going to face this situation. This is what I think as a person, and it's what we at GDI Uniforms think: With this thought in mind, we are confident that if we take care of ourselves and apply best practices to protect ourselves, we can survive and benefit from this impactful event. At GDI, we continue to build comprehensive image and security solutions for our clients through uniforms and workwear. We want to continue working with the best companies in Mexico, Central America, and the United States. Dear reader, I invite you to get to know us; we would be delighted to offer you our support and experience. I hope you continue to take care of yourself. Best regards, Fermín Pérez Márquez – Commercial Director of GDI. Get to know us!
October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women of working age in our country? Every day, between 10 and 12 Mexican women die from this disease. Although the incidence is higher after age 55, there are increasingly more cases of women between 35 and 45 years old suffering from this condition. The number of cases in our country has grown alarmingly in recent years, so, as we do every year, we dedicate a month to raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of prevention. Early detection is essential to receive the right treatments and care and to overcome this terrible disease. To detect breast cancer early, it is necessary to be attentive to different signs and symptoms in our bodies. Remember, the earlier it is detected, the better your chances of fighting and overcoming this disease. The most important signs are: To this day, the specific cause of this disease is still unclear. However, some studies show a link to smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive use of contraceptives, and above all, a person's genetic predisposition. This is why it is extremely important for all women to be aware of the signs and maintain constant communication with their trusted doctor. At GDI, we are confident that each of us can be a spokesperson for the breast cancer prevention message. Therefore, committed to this fight, we support and strengthen this global awareness initiative through information and education on fundamental topics such as early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for this terrible disease. Through early detection, together we can save thousands of lives.
The intangible benefits of a Quality Management System
In recent years, we have heard in various forums about the benefits that a Quality Management System (QMS) brings to an organization. GDI Grupo Diamante Internacional is a relatively young organization; however, our growth has been exponential in recent years, and a fundamental part of this sustained success is largely due to the implementation of this system. It is generally mentioned that the benefits that a QMS brings to organizations are increased customer satisfaction, an improvement in the organization's processes, a reduction in internal or external quality costs, entry into new markets, and differentiation from the competition. All these benefits have been tangible for the organization, as we have been able to measure their impact over time and without a doubt, they are of great value to any company. However, have you ever wondered what the intangible benefits of a QMS are that a QMS brings to the organization internally? At GDI we have found that one of the greatest benefits is the sense of belonging that employees feel towards the processes where they interact. By implementing a QMS, our procedures or technical guides are developed in conjunction with our collaborators with the support of their leaders, thus documenting all the know-how and enabling continuous improvements. In addition, another intangible benefit is the Motivation and Collaboration that exists between the different work teams. This is reflected in the fulfillment or improvement of the different indicators that exist in the organization as the QMS has become established in the company. The sum of all these efforts is reflected in the achievement of our Quality Objectives annually. The last intangible benefit that the organization has detected is the Innovation and Creativity with which employees find the solution to the daily problems they face within their operation. This has allowed for improved job performance in all operational areas. Furthermore, to ensure that the innovation generated is adopted in our QMS and that we remain at the forefront of the market, we align everything to the requirements of the International Standard ISO 9001:2015 that governs our organization. The result of all this effort and teamwork is that we achieved the Recertification of our QMS in September 2020. At GDI we are always committed to our clients and other stakeholders, so many of our efforts are focused on continuous improvement. Constant innovation in our services and products makes us the best Business Partners for our clients and keeps us at the forefront of the market. Our Quality Management System supports us in our mission to offer image and security consulting services to our clients. We look forward to starting your project together! Roberto Martínez Calderón – Coordinator of Comprehensive Management
How to contribute to Sustainable Development
In the pursuit of satisfying basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, and health), humanity has established a way of life where ecological degradation, the depletion of natural resources, and human suffering have caused collateral damage in the name of social, technological, and economic development. This behavior has led us to an alarming point, and it is time for individuals and society to adopt a lifestyle based on the concept of Sustainable Development. Remember that Sustainable Development proposes satisfying the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. There are various actions we can take to support sustainable development. Personal actions: It is a serious mistake to think that it is useless to act if others will not. Change begins with oneself. Actions at home: Many values are instilled at home, so you can implement some of these actions. Actions at work and school. Actions in transportation and travel: These are just some of the actions you can take to help protect the environment. Little by little, significant changes will occur. At GDI, we care about the environment. That's why we take action to support sustainable development. In our facilities, we use energy-efficient LED lights to minimize energy consumption, we separate waste into the appropriate containers, and we provide company transportation for our employees. This way, we avoid using multiple modes of transport and reduce pollution. Let's take care of the environment and be more mindful of our actions; little by little, they can create a big difference.
How to achieve Business Sustainability
Corporate sustainability encompasses the efforts a company makes to sustain its economic activity, considering social and environmental factors, and ensuring responsible resource management. What are the five principles that any company aspiring to achieve business sustainability must adhere to? How can corporate sustainability be achieved? In this regard, organizational culture plays a key role in establishing internal practices for the efficient use of resources, considering all the aforementioned variables. The company must take into account the value chain (inputs, processes, and outputs), and it must also consider the constant evaluation of actions that involve resource expenditures in order to improve and manage them better, thereby maximizing efficiency and, consequently, the company's profitability. Another important aspect concerns how corporate sustainability is communicated and how consumers and clients validate it. When companies successfully communicate their actions toward achieving greater sustainability, consumers can question, accept, and/or support them. In short, developing a sustainable business is no easy task. It requires willpower, talent in business management, and a broad and deep understanding of the environment, allowing us to identify the elements that must be carefully considered during the production process. At GDI, we understand that this is hard work, but little by little we have undertaken the task of implementing the necessary measures to become sustainable, starting internally with our employees in their daily work. We are committed to having a company that is environmentally friendly and responsible towards everything around it. We are the future, and therefore we must comply with everything that safeguards the well-being of the company and the ecosystem.
What do you know about Social Sustainability?
Social sustainability in economic activity refers to actions that support a company's development in harmony with its environment and, specifically, with the people it serves. It involves adopting values that foster behaviors such as valuing nature, maintaining harmonious and satisfactory levels of education, training, and awareness, offering support to a country's population to improve themselves, maintain a good standard of living, and encouraging their involvement in creating something new within the society they are part of today. What aspects should a company consider to be socially sustainable? Primarily, the balance between the benefits it obtains from its economic activity in a given territory and the benefits that the community and society can derive from that activity in terms of employment, economic development, business activities, environmental stewardship, preservation of cultural practices, and the strengthening of community projects, among others. Pillars of social sustainability. There are three fundamental premises that can guarantee the social sustainability of projects; these include: What benefits does social sustainability offer to organizations? The benefits are numerous, but the most significant is their long-term nature, meaning they are sustainable over time. Some benefits of implementing social sustainability include: At GDI, we have various sustainability projects, such as reusing fabric scraps, implementing regenerated garments, and protecting the environment and resources. We constantly provide training to our employees on how to carry out future activities and projects with a sustainable vision, not only for the environment but also for our clients and the community at large.
What measures can you take for sustainable development?
Sustainable measures for the use of natural resources are important to avoid environmental degradation, prevent the development of climate change, and ensure air quality. Ecologically sustainable development is only possible if people identify with the problem and show a genuine willingness to participate in measures to conserve natural resources. That is why we present below five sustainable measures for the use of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. The starting point begins in each community. It is suggested to reuse all items or products as much as possible before disposing of them. For example: sheets of paper can be used on both sides. Organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable peels, food scraps, grass, leaves, branches, among others, should be placed in a special container. Similarly, inorganic waste (aluminum, cardboard, paper, glass and plastic) must also be collected in specific containers according to its classification. Approximately 93% of the world's energy sources are fossil fuels, and renewable energy accounts for only about 7%. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide emissions, which is the greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and severely damages planet Earth. Renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power, are renewable, efficient, and non-polluting, or cause little pollution. Burning trash, leaves and other objects should be avoided, as well as making campfires in forests or in the middle of the city. Likewise, if an effort is made to change the fuel dispensing mechanism in vehicles from gasoline or diesel to natural gas, emissions during the combustion process would decrease considerably. Water is an extremely scarce resource worldwide, making its care and rational use essential. For this reason, it is recommended not to leave sink taps or faucets running unless strictly necessary. Shower water and washing machine waste can be reused for cleaning and watering. Reducing the duration of showers can also be a sustainable measure. According to studies conducted by Greenpeace, for every kilowatt of electricity saved, approximately 800 grams of carbon dioxide emissions will be avoided. Therefore, saving electricity is a key point. To achieve this, it is recommended to switch to energy-saving light bulbs, thus reducing electricity consumption by up to 75%. Lights should also be turned off when no one is home. Unplugging electrical appliances is a very effective way to save energy. The GDI family works daily for sustainable development, taking care of energy with the help of energy-saving LED light bulbs, both in the offices and in the plant. We seek to minimize waste and reuse other materials; we try to minimize the use of paper. Small changes produce big changes, and it's something we should all be concerned about, for ourselves and for future generations.
Economic growth and the ecosystem
Economic sustainability is an organization's ability to manage its resources and generate profitability responsibly and over the long term. It implies a social context of well-being and economic growth that benefits the entire community, offering everyone the opportunity to feel good and happy. Characteristics of a Sustainable Economy: The development of a sustainable economy in any territory involves policies aimed at promoting the use of sustainable energy sources, fostering the competitiveness of green businesses, and investing in innovation and development. This socioeconomic system is governed by the following fundamental principles: All aspects of sustainability safeguard the well-being of society and the environment, and this is no exception. At GDI, we strive to implement more sustainable measures, manage resources more effectively, avoid causing any harm to the environment, promote recycling and the use of renewable energy, and seek greater progress within the company to provide better service and care for our staff, our clients, and the environment.
The power of buying
Also known as green purchasing, the term sustainable purchasing refers to the policy of considering social and environmental factors when selecting a supplier, looking beyond price. In this type of acquisition, materials must meet the needs of the company. It is worth noting that consumers are increasingly choosing companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. And in times of technological advancements and social media, they closely monitor companies, even using the internet to express their dissatisfaction with organizational actions they consider unethical, which can negatively affect brand image. BARRIERS AND ADVANTAGES OF SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING It is undeniable that barriers exist to the adoption of sustainable purchasing practices in companies, but these should not be considered an impediment to making these types of purchases and generating advantages for the purchasing company and society in general. Below, we will mention the main obstacles that must be overcome and show how this concept benefits organizations. Barriers to Sustainable Purchasing The main difficulties in implementing a sustainable program are: To overcome these obstacles, the purchasing team must gather information demonstrating the benefits of sustainable procurement for the organization. They must also have a wide range of suppliers who effectively meet the requirements of a sustainable process and uphold the highest standards. Advantages of Sustainable Purchasing Companies worldwide are already investing in the development of sustainable procurement. Beyond the ethical considerations, the benefits drive this choice: Implementing the concept of sustainable procurement requires a strong commitment from procurement professionals. Therefore, at GDI, we seek suppliers with sustainable characteristics so that we can manufacture quality products without harming the planet. We strive to make our garments environmentally friendly, so we seek materials like cotton and linen, working with suppliers who are committed to environmental stewardship. And thanks to that, GDI joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. At GDI, we also produce sustainable uniforms with materials containing a certain percentage of PET, as well as eco-friendly face masks that reduce the use of disposable masks. At GDI, we are convinced that by implementing these kinds of actions, the world will be more inclusive, improving the quality of life for everyone.
Changes you should know about in outsourcing
The new Outsourcing Reform was approved by the Senate in April 2021. This reform regulates outsourcing, prohibiting the subcontracting of personnel but allowing the subcontracting of specialized services or the execution of specialized projects that are not part of the company's core business or primary economic activity. The goal of this reform is to prevent companies from continuing to engage in unethical practices, such as tax evasion or violations of workers' rights established in the Federal Labor Law. WHAT ARE THE MULTIPLE CHANGES TO THE REGULATION OF SUBCONTRACTING IN OUR COUNTRY? The legal changes that will be applied in relation to outsourcing are as follows: Companies that choose to disregard these new regulations will be subject to fines. OUTSOURCING FINES: IN CASE OF VIOLATION OF THE LAW… The approved modifications include reforms to the Federal Labor Law to impose a fine of up to 4,481,000 pesos (up to 50,000 UMAs) for anyone who carries out or provides subcontracting services without the corresponding registration. Likewise, changes will be established to the Federal Tax Code to consider this practice as a tax fraud offense, punishable by up to three years in prison. If an employer does not allow inspection and oversight by the authorities, they will be subject to a fine of between 22,000 and 448,000 pesos. ACTIONS THAT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT MUST TAKE With this new reform, HR departments will have to implement multiple changes within companies. This department is responsible for driving organizations toward optimal management of their employees. Among the activities that will need to be carried out, we can find: These activities must be completed by August 1, 2021, at the latest, in order to be adapted to the new legislation.