Implementing a corporate social responsibility program within your organization is a win-win. While implementing programs that benefit your community, CSR programs can also create positive brand association for your business. Check out Adecco’s guide to establishing your corporate social responsibility program for help understanding corporate social responsibility and developing your own CSR program.
What is corporate social responsibility?
Simply put, a corporate social responsibility program helps hold companies accountable for the economic, social and environmental impact they have on society. A company’s CSR efforts work to improve local and global communities and can include donating funds or resources, volunteering, and initiating environmental practices.
What’s in it for your business?
If executed successfully, the benefits of corporate social responsibility for your organization are vast. Consumers are becoming better educated about where they spend their money, increasingly basing purchase decisions on more than the product or service themselves. In fact, 87% of consumers will make a purchase because the company advocated for an issue important to them. Undoubtedly, giving back to society helps make the world a better place, but it also improves public image of your brand, increases employee attraction and retention, and fosters relationships with investors.
Corporate social responsibility and success
What do some of the top Fortune 500 companies have in common? A successful CSR program that boosts their public image while contributing to the global community.
Starbucks lives and breathes CSR in every aspect of their business. They are committed to sourcing ethically-produced products, strengthening local communities and reducing their environmental impact through green stores, packaging and energy efficiency.
H&M has incorporated corporate social responsibility into their business by committing to fair living wages for workers in factories and creating sustainable fashion. Also, through their partnership with WWF, H&M focuses on responsible water management.
Ready to start your corporate social responsibility program?
Consider these helpful tips:
- Select a cause that fits within your corporate culture and organizational values. This will ensure your CSR efforts are authentic to your business. For example, if your business is in the food industry, create a program that provides food to those who need it or purchase your ingredients from local farmers.
- Create a plan of attack and identify metrics to hold your business accountable. Building your corporate social responsibility program into your business model will help to keep your business decisions in-line with your CSR values.
- Involve your employees and customers in donations or volunteering efforts. Getting your staff and audience involved emphasizes your dedication to the cause and reiterates your corporate social responsibility values.
- Publicize your corporate social responsibility accomplishments. This will highlight your commitment to making the world a better place, helping draw attention to the cause while also promoting positive brand recognition among your customers and colleagues alike.
Here at Adecco, we value the importance of a corporate social responsibility program to leave a positive impact on our global community. Our Win4Youth program unites employees, clients and associates in fitness to support Plan International’s efforts to improve young people’s lives through education and employment. Learn more about the Win4Youth program and start tracking your kilometres and activity hours at www.win4youth.com.