At Sirocco, we believe that businesses have a profound responsibility to drive positive change in the world. Today, we are thrilled to announce the renewal of our commitment to the Pledge 1% initiative, a global movement that inspires companies to dedicate 1% of their equity, profit, product, and employee time to causes that matter most. This pledge is not merely a corporate obligation; it is a reflection of our core values and an integral part of our mission to make a meaningful impact.
The Impact of Pledge 1%
Since its inception, Pledge 1% has grown into a global community of over 19,000 companies across more than 130 countries, collectively igniting over $2.4 billion in philanthropy through equity commitments alone. This movement provides a flexible framework, allowing companies to contribute in ways that align with their unique strengths and resources, whether through volunteer efforts, product donations, or financial support. By integrating social impact into our business model, we aim to empower communities and foster a sense of purpose that resonates throughout our organisation.
Volunteer Time Off: Making an immediate difference
A cornerstone of our commitment is our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, inspired by Salesforce’s model (which offers employees seven paid days of VTO each year). This initiative empowers our team members to dedicate their time and skills to causes they are passionate about, enhancing employee engagement, morale, and retention. By providing structured opportunities for volunteering, we not only contribute to the betterment of our communities but also cultivate a culture of empathy and social responsibility within Sirocco. We are working with our Chief People Officer on suitable themes for each year. In 2025, for example, we are teaming up with GeBlod on blood donation initiatives.
Collaboration in action: Sirocco and Salesforce Sweden
Our partnership with Salesforce exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in driving social impact.
Recently, we joined forces with the Archipelago Foundation (https://skargardsstiftelsen.se/) in a Nature Reserve on an island in Sweden. Together, we worked on removing invasive reeds to restore grazing areas for cattle and improve spawning grounds for pike, contributing to a balanced and thriving ecosystem. This hands-on project not only had a tangible environmental impact but also strengthened our relationships with partners, customers, and employees, demonstrating the profound effects of collective action. The Archipelago Foundation is the third largest landowner in Stockholm County and is responsible for preserving and developing large and close-to-city recreation areas for visitors from Sweden and from all over the world.
On another occasion, Sirocco volunteers joined forces with Salesforce employees to support a local church (St:Clara Church) as they prepared for the bustling pre-Christmas season. Together, the teams cleaned benches, organised public areas, and assisted church staff with minor repairs and maintenance tasks. This collaboration not only helped the church create a welcoming space for its community but also demonstrated the strength of teamwork and the impact that even small contributions can make when people come together for a common purpose.
Leveraging technology for good
We firmly believe in the transformative power of technology to drive social change. Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud offers comprehensive tools for fundraising, program management, and outcome measurement, enabling nonprofits to manage their operations more effectively and amplify their impact. As a Salesforce partner, we are committed to supporting these efforts by helping nonprofits integrate these systems, allowing them to track donations, manage programs, and engage supporters more efficiently.
Looking ahead
Renewing our Pledge 1% commitment reaffirms our dedication to creating a better future. We are excited to continue leveraging our resources, products, and the passion of our employees to drive positive change in our communities and beyond. This journey is not just about giving back; it is about embedding social impact into the very fabric of our business, ensuring that as we grow, our contributions to society grow with us.
To our customers, partners, and team members: thank you for supporting us on this journey. Together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact, proving that businesses can thrive while driving positive change. We would also encourage you to consider joining the Pledge 1% movement and/or teaming up with us on volunteer activities in our different regions. Contact us with any questions or ideas you may have.
