Innovation and sustainability at GDI
Today more than ever, it is essential to turn our attention to clean technologies, both new and established, that have the capacity to meet the growing demand for energy and contribute to mitigating climate change, as well as the professional development of the protagonists of this transformation. Today, there is a shared commitment to leave the planet better than we found it. Sustainable Development in organizations is the engine of a sustainable future that must ensure social equity, ecology and the environment. Technological advances have allowed us to improve our quality of life. Beyond economic and social resources, technology allows us to achieve sustainable global development. ICT systems and tools enable improved energy efficiency and intelligent energy management. Therefore, most companies only look for efficient products supported by sustainable equipment. Among the most prominent technologies we find: What are the advantages of sustainable development? At GDI Uniforms we create optimal processes to always obtain a high quality result. We always strive to create innovative, high-performance fabrics and accelerate our processes thanks to the new technologies we implement. We are at the forefront of developments and innovations in the textile industry, which includes various factors such as production technologies; coloring techniques; denim, dyes and auxiliaries; finishing treatments; innovative and high-performance fabrics; always analyzing the changes in the textile and clothing industry, respecting environmental sustainability at all times. At GDI we are clear that new advances and technologies will drive a new type of industry where the main characteristics will be interconnection, which will be more collaborative and automated. Since 2019 we have had the Gerber Technology Atria cutter, the most modern and efficient fabric cutter in the world. This cutter is unique in its class, as it incorporates an integrated IoT technology solution that guarantees precision, optimizes productivity, and increases material utilization when cutting fabric. This cutter, in addition to increasing our production capabilities, incorporates innovation into our organization with its comprehensive solution that ranges from design, pattern creation, mark generation and production planning, thus achieving a reduction in material costs of up to 30%, minimizing our environmental impact. Investing in innovation and sustainability brings us many advances, because in addition to improving the ecosystem it allows us to gain competitiveness and thus increase profitability. We are proud to say that we are the only uniform company in the region that has this type of state-of-the-art technology. At GDI we are convinced that by implementing these types of actions the world will be more inclusive and sustainable, improving the quality of life for all people.
Water in our everyday goods and services
Water is one of the most prevalent natural resources in the production and consumption of our everyday goods and services, but do we know how much we use in each process? The water footprint is an environmental indicator that defines the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services we routinely consume. It is a necessary variable that tells us how much water it costs to manufacture a product. The water footprint is measured in units of volume (liters or cubic meters) per unit of product manufactured or service consumed. TYPES OF WATER FOOTPRINT The water footprint is composed of three elements depending on the water's origin: HOW IS THE WATER FOOTPRINT MEASURED? A country's water footprint is determined by four factors: The Water Footprint makes us aware of the water consumption we need in all our activities. It provides us with a benchmark for our water use and, above all, helps us assess where we can improve as an organization. It serves as a starting point for establishing efficient water management and setting objectives. As an organization, GDI seeks to promote recycling, reuse, and eco-friendly consumption within our facilities, as this allows us to reduce our water footprint. We are exploring the digitization of various materials to reduce paper usage and are implementing technology to help us reduce waste and minimize certain types of pollution. We will gradually implement various activities to establish an environmental quality system.
Digitalization in Human Resources
Human Resources management in companies has traditionally been an area of constant improvement and work. Selecting the right staff, managing resources, coordinating workers, are some of the essential tasks for the functioning of a staff and, consequently, of the organization itself. Given this reality, digitalization in Human Resources is essential to carry out all the tasks of the sector in the 4.0 era, which undoubtedly leads us to digital transformation. What factors are necessary for successful digitization? Many companies, and especially human talent departments, want to get involved in the world of digital transformation, but they simply don't know how to do it without failing in the attempt. These are some factors you should consider when digitizing human resources. 1. Identify goals and priorities. A human resources digitization process will be successful when it aims to solve not only the problems of the department, but also those of the employees. 2. Establish the project specifications Once the objectives and priorities have been established, it is important to have the technical design specifications, that is, the detailed list of functional characteristics that the technological solution must possess to achieve the set objectives. 3.- Involve IT areas A project to digitize the human talent department cannot function without the cooperation of the company's IT department. The IT department can also contribute to the supplier selection phase by analyzing its more technical aspects. 4. Choose the right tool. You must carefully choose the technological solution that will allow you to meet your objectives regarding human resource management. There are programs that comply with legal requirements, for example, payroll calculation. There are others that focus on more specific problems such as tracking timesheets, performance evaluation, organizational climate, etc. 5. Train your staff. It is necessary to train those who will be the most active users of new technologies, HR professionals and line managers. What applications does AI have in Human Resources? In Human Resources, its application is broad, and its impact on the department extends to three main areas: 1.- Recruitment processes AI is able to use different algorithms to perform an initial filtering and offer the most suitable profiles for the offered position. It is a clear optimization of resources and time. This is beneficial for both Human Resources departments and candidates, as it eliminates long waiting times in the processes. 2.- Predictions The available information from an employee roster can be fully processed by Artificial Intelligence. AI allows for predictions regarding: In addition to this, AI can be an excellent ally in building an Employer Branding strategy. In doing so, we contribute to ensuring talent retention. Benefits of digitization in Human Resources In conclusion, it is clear that there is a technological explosion that is changing the organization and the way of working in companies. In this respect, therefore, Human Resources must be a key player in the involvement for digitalization, since it represents a lever effect that can generate a whole change in the corporate culture of organizations.
New technologies in Purchasing
Artificial intelligence will change procurement as we know it today, so we must understand what it is, how it works, and what it can do for organizations. New technologies demand that we all learn new concepts and ways of working, and this is no exception when we talk about artificial intelligence. BENEFITS. Artificial intelligence can work in tandem with humans, with humans contributing their problem-solving skills and understanding of the context of the situation, and the machine contributing its speed in decision-making, low operating costs, and 24/7 availability. When applying AI to purchasing, we can focus on the following functions: Taken to the extreme, we can think that AI can achieve the following four aspects in purchasing: AI will transform procurement processes in all types of companies; it is not limited to large corporations. All processes will be affected to a greater or lesser extent, and we must accept that there is a certain risk associated with the use of this technology. Today, a large number of practical applications of AI systems can be found. Although some of these technologies are still in their early stages, there is no doubt that this growth will solidify in the coming years. We can clearly see that the application of AI in supply chain management is a driver of value creation for companies through improved productivity, better customer service, better working conditions for employees at all levels of the chain, and reduced emissions. Many governments in developed countries are implementing AI strategies to help their companies compete in highly technological environments. It is important that these strategies align with the needs of companies and become a support system for AI implementation, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which typically represent a large portion of these countries' gross domestic product. AI implementation must consider the end-to-end security of the people and systems it operates with. This requires cybersecurity systems that ensure the integrity and maintenance of the data generated and stored. AI is a powerful tool for minimizing lead times, reducing risks, and improving supplier management.
Conscious and responsible consumption
The way we consume is both the cause and the consequence of many environmental problems facing the planet today: deforestation, plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, the small decisions we make every day about what to eat, where to shop, and how much to spend matter more than we realize. Responsible consumption is a concept that advocates for changing consumption habits to align with our real needs and those of the planet, choosing options that benefit the environment and social equality. Some key points to consider regarding responsible consumption include: Conscious and responsible consumption, geared towards promoting activities that are beneficial to both nature and people, is a significant contribution and a powerful tool for exerting pressure on the market. A responsible consumer is informed and aware of their consumption habits, knows and demands their consumer rights, and seeks consumption options with the least possible negative impact on the environment and a positive effect on society. This responsible way of consuming translates into many small, daily actions and decisions. Reasons to Promote Responsible Consumption There are many reasons why we should promote responsible consumption, such as: At GDI, we implement responsible consumption both internally and externally, ensuring that all parts of the production, sales, and distribution chain care for the environment. We are a company with recognitions that validate our commitment to social responsibility, as we offer sustainable products and strive for clean production that does not harm the environment. We are committed to maintaining our quality of service without damaging the environment. We provide you with everything you need to be part of responsible consumption.
Changes to offices after the pandemic
The world of work will not be the same after COVID-19, and organizations need to adapt their workspaces to a new reality that is here to stay. Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus occurs through direct contact with an infected person or with contaminated surfaces or objects. Therefore, it is essential to adopt measures to prevent these two possible routes of transmission. Social distancing will be one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus among the population, as well as the following: In workspaces, strict measures must be followed to guarantee the health of workers and visitors. In offices, the focus will be on building trust and ensuring that workers feel safe in each work area. The measures in the main areas should be as follows: Each company implements the measures it needs in its facilities, according to the company's business, but everyone must be aware of the care and responsibility required when resuming in-person activities. GDI cares about the well-being of its employees, which is why it has properly equipped its workspaces, placing a sanitizing kit in each section (sanitizer, antibacterial gel, and disposable wipes). Acrylic barriers have also been installed to separate and demarcate each employee's workspace to prevent the spread of infection. We have also reorganized the dining areas and meal times so that each employee can eat responsibly and without risk. At GDI, we strive to provide the best way to care for our team and ensure they work in a comfortable and safe environment.
Clothing for a job well done, with hygiene and safety
If there's one professional sector where employee workwear takes on a special dimension due to the need to guarantee compliance with all hygiene and safety regulations, it's undoubtedly the food industry. When working with food, the health of people must be taken into account, and therefore, protective measures and cleanliness must be meticulously maintained to avoid any errors that could be detrimental to both the final product and the consumer. Not only food handlers must take care of their work uniforms, but also everyone involved in the food processing chain: mechanics, cleaning staff, technicians, and even visitors to the factory. The uniform used must be suitable for preventing food contamination. The correct design, maintenance, and hygiene of these garments are crucial for achieving safe products and complying with current regulations. Good management and appropriate design of employee clothing can minimize the risk of cross-contamination, properly eliminate bacterial contaminants that can colonize work clothes, and help ensure compliance with food safety standards. Food industry regulations outline the rules for employee uniforms, from their required characteristics to their proper use and care. Some guidelines for food industry uniforms include: [List of guidelines would go here]. Taking all of the above into account, GDI is your best option when choosing clothing for your employees. We are experts in various sectors, and the food industry is one of them, as our track record confirms. At GDI, we provide a comprehensive service that encompasses all the necessary uniform requirements, creating the right clothing for your entire workforce. We prioritize safety, comfort, and a design that distinguishes your brand, while adhering to all legal requirements and prioritizing environmental responsibility. We adapt to your needs while maintaining your corporate image. Contact us to view our clothing catalogs for your sector and see for yourself how we can deliver exceptional results.
Working from home does work
Remote work, teleworking, or working from home, as it's colloquially known in Mexico, has become increasingly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, and all indications are that it's here to stay, as at least 6 out of 10 companies plan to maintain this model after the pandemic. Following a longer-than-expected lockdown, working from home has gone through several phases. Initially, we experienced a mix of uncertainty and euphoria surrounding video calls, cloud computing, the convenience of working from home, and the security of remaining within a sanitary environment. However, with its increasing frequency came excesses, fatigue from long hours in front of screens, indefinite workdays, problems due to technical failures, and platform vulnerabilities. Working from home in Mexico has a different impact on each company. For example, working from home has also gained popularity among employees, with 91% saying they would adopt this model after the pandemic if it were available. Working from home represents an industrial revolution not only because of its economic impacts but also because of its enormous potential to impact the socio-cultural level (think in terms of work-life balance or inclusion, with greater access to the workforce for women and older adults), the environment (think of reduced mobility and its consequent effects on pollution levels), and more. Working from home is a tool that many companies will continue to implement to prevent infections and protect their employees. Others, however, prefer to continue with the traditional method of going to the office and occasionally implement this strategy. In the case of GDI, at the beginning of the pandemic, employees worked from home, holding meetings through various applications. They were in constant contact every day to carry out activities in an organized and up-to-date manner. As the epidemiological traffic light allowed, activities gradually resumed in a "normal" way, and occasionally we resorted to working from home to protect the members.
A safe place to work
During the state of emergency declared due to the coronavirus, many offices and businesses were forced to close their doors. With the reopening of establishments and workspaces, employees and the general public want to be certain they are in a safe environment. For this to happen, all areas of businesses require thorough and regular professional disinfection and cleaning with authorized products that guarantee the protection of everyone. The disinfection process goes beyond simple cleaning. It requires meticulous work and, above all, demands products specifically designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria. This practice should continue during the so-called "new normal." Preventive measures must be maintained as people gradually resume their daily activities and return to offices or workplaces. Benefits of Disinfection in Offices and Industry: Currently, companies and businesses are resuming their activities, taking all necessary precautions to guarantee the safety of both their employees and their customers. To this end, it is essential that they comply with professional disinfection and cleaning measures for their facilities in order to prevent any type of coronavirus infection. At GDI, we follow protocols to ensure a safe and contagion-free workplace. This includes designated days for sanitizing all areas, from parking lots and loading/unloading zones to offices, meeting rooms, the cafeteria, and more. We are committed to the health, well-being, and well-being of all our employees and their families.
The importance of the relationship between an employee's productivity and their happiness
2020 tested our health in every way. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted a year with little physical activity and an extra dose of weight gain, stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Loneliness and uncertainty took their toll, and for many, emotional instability reached unprecedented levels. WHAT IS WORKPLACE WELL-BEING? When we talk about workplace well-being, we are referring to the relationship between an employee's productivity and their happiness. It can involve everything from physical and emotional well-being to a feeling of satisfaction stemming from our role in the company (feeling valued, comfortable, exercising autonomy, building good personal relationships, etc.). THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELL-BEING Benefits for employees An encouraging work environment evokes trust, commitment, collaboration and innovation. This translates into: Benefits for the company Working in a healthy company model will help you reduce absenteeism and increase performance, talent retention and employee satisfaction. TRENDS TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE WELL-BEING Creating the healthiest possible work environment is, without a doubt, a basic objective. But it's also a great challenge for many. Human Resources departments have to face a new paradigm of needs at a personal and professional level. This is the first step towards taking employee happiness and quality of life seriously. In general terms, there are three key aspects to these plans: equity, collaboration, and achievement. Conduct surveys, provide a suggestion box, schedule meetings, take a look around; once you know your employees and their real needs in depth, you can work on a workplace wellness program. Uncertainty at a personal, family, and work level, as well as the need to adapt to a new, not-so-new normal, have jeopardized our emotional stability. Emotional instability should be considered another problem for the company. Adopting preventative measures such as psychological assistance or emotional coaching to empower people deserves the same consideration as safety and physical health. Workplace flexibility is synonymous with adapting to change, reducing stress, retaining talent, and increasing motivation and productivity. That's why it's important to encourage employees to set the pace of their personal growth. Internal communication is the thermometer that measures the health of companies. The more fluid and open the communication between employees and departments, the easier it will be to successfully overcome adversity and ensure an optimal mood among employees. Moving towards a more interpersonal model that fosters empathy, sensitivity, and dialogue will be the first step in building a healthy work ecosystem. Disconnect, just like that: unplug the router, turn off the computer, put away your mobile phone, and connect with yourself. With the implementation of teleworking and a hybrid work model, things get complicated. Maintaining a balance between digital and real life and protecting oneself from virtual overload is becoming increasingly important due to its close relationship with vision problems, insomnia, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. Raising awareness and training your employees about this addiction is key to preventing mental illness and, thus, building a healthy work environment. Resilience is a well-established concept in positive psychology. We are talking about the ability to adapt to adverse situations and cope with sources of stress, ultimately emerging stronger. Resilient people enjoy good mental health and are less susceptible to workplace hostility. At GDI we strive to ensure that our employees have emotional stability and excellent physical health. We implement courses so they can develop their emotional stability, coaching so they feel confident in themselves and become more self-assured individuals. By taking care of and supporting our employees, we become bigger, we become excellent, and we stand out as a team in front of all our clients.