The Path to the Just Label: Advancing Equity and Transparency in Our Workplace
In early 2023, through our involvement with AIA Minnesota, we learned about their pursuit of the Just label through the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). Intrigued by the mission behind it, we decided to explore whether this certification aligned with our company values—and we were thrilled to discover that it did, while also offering us so much more! For Architecture Advantage, pursuing the Just label provided a valuable framework to advance our mission, vision, and commitment as a woman-owned architecture and interior design firm.
What is the Just Label?
The Just label is a voluntary disclosure tool designed to help organizations demonstrate their commitment to social equity, employee health and well-being, and the vitality of the communities in which they operate. It offers a clear, measurable framework to evaluate and continuously improve these practices. When awarded, organizations receive a ‘Just Label’—a kind of ‘nutrition label’ for businesses. This label outlines the levels achieved across six Social Justice categories for Version 2.0: Diversity & Inclusion, Equity, Employee Health, Employee Benefits, Stewardship, and Purchasing & Supply Chain. (Note: Version 3.0 was released while we were in the middle of our submittal process and updates to these categories have been made in that version.)
Benefits of the Just Label to Architecture Advantage
As a small, woman-owned firm, the Just label process has given us a fresh perspective on the benefits we offer and the culture we are building amongst our team. This being our first submission, we were proud to see the positive impact of our existing internal efforts even before we began the formal application process. The Just label has prompted us to implement small, yet meaningful changes, leading to a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone.
Additionally, we are excited about the goals we have set for our team to work toward in the next two years when we will seek recertification under version 3.0. The Just label has provided us with a structured framework for tracking our progress on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, helping us to clearly identify areas for growth and improvement.
The Process: Insights and Recommendations
Before starting the Just label process, we found it helpful to evaluate where we were as a company and where we wanted to be. This gave us a clear vision and made the process more manageable. For any organization considering the Just label, we highly recommend this self-assessment approach.
It’s important to remember that the journey doesn’t end with your application submission—you can continue to grow and improve as you move toward your renewal. We encourage starting the preparation process early, setting clear deadlines for submitting data on various categories, and keeping yourself on track with a well-defined plan. Additionally, take advantage of the great resources offered, such as reaching out to Just staff for guidance, attending their monthly Q&A sessions, and using the Just database to help frame your efforts.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
We are proud of the progress we’ve made in promoting equity, transparency, and social justice within our company. Earning the Just label not only recognizes our efforts but also allows us to share this work with a broader community. It provides us with a valuable tool to keep improving and growing as a team.
In the end, the Just label is more than a certification—it’s a commitment to the continuous betterment of our organization, our employees, and the broader community we serve. We are excited to continue on this journey, knowing that it helps us create a more just, transparent, and inclusive workplace for all.
