June 6, 2018 /3BL Media/ - A new article, The Water of Systems Change, published by FSG, provides an actionable model for funders and other social sector institutions interested in creating systems change.

What would you do if the majority of your entry-level, hourly workforce was planning to leave in less than a year? More than half of the 1,200 young people working in entry-level jobs we surveyed said that was their plan — and less than a quarter felt highly satisfied with their job. That’s expensive for business.

To understand how employers can improve engagement and retention, FSG worked with Hart Research Associates to survey entry-level, hourly workers between the ages of 17 and 24, and interviewed dozens of companies to find out how they have improved retention.

While we have made tremendous strides against HIV over the past several decades, one challenge has remained persistently unaddressed—the ability of women to protect themselves, and others, against HIV.

For too long, the decision to use prevention has been controlled by men, either directly or indirectly through their ability to withhold agreement to condom use even if a female partner requests it. To expect that we can control HIV without options for women, who account for 52 percent of HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, is to expect the impossible.   

Companies are uniquely positioned to drive change around social norms by using their brand credibility, marketing expertise, reach, and access to key influencers, among other assets. Companies can create significant, lasting social change by shifting harmful social norms. But why should companies invest in changing social norms, and what are the practical steps to starting this process?

What are social norms?