Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Corporate Responsibility (CR) or Sustainable Business are commonly heard, but rarely understood, phrases. So what does it all mean?
Beyond the Buzz Words:
CSR is the process of assessing an organisation’s impact on society and evaluating their responsibilities. CSR begins with an assessment of a business and their:
Customers
Suppliers
Environment
Communities
Employees
1. The Power of CSR:
“88% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities to improve society.”
CSR should not be viewed as a drain on resources, because carefully implemented CSR policies can help your oragnisation:
Win new business
Increase customer retention
Develop and enhance relationships with customers, suppliers and networks
Attract, retain and maintain a happy workforce and be an Employer of Choice
Save money on energy and operating costs and manage risk
Differentiate yourself from your competitors
Generate innovation and learning and enhance your influence
Improve your business reputation and standing
Provide access to investment and funding opportunities
Generate positive publicity and media opportunities due to media interest in ethical business activities
2. What does a CSR Policy Include?
Many organisations have a CSR Policy, which defines areas of concern and initiatives to improve relations with the people and environments affected by business operations. CSR policies often dictate a system for monitoring responsible performance.
Good CSR policies drive corporate change. With well defined objectives and measurable targets, your CSR policy will provide the foundation for steps towards running a more sustainable and ethical business.
The process of writing a CSR policy begins with an assessment of every aspect of your business and its operations. We look at your organisation’s impacts on employees, suppliers, clients, and communities.
After defining your organisation’s impacts, we set targets for improving them.
2.1 Results-Driven CSR
The CSR Crew specialise in providing CSR policies that you will be able to successfully implement. A CSR policy that isn’t sustainable or achievable is useless. We focus on results, and on providing a noticeable return on investment for your CSR initiatives.
3. More than Compliance…
Successful CSR initiatives take organisations beyond compliance with legislation and leads them to honour ethical values and respect people, communities and the natural environment. CSR is sustainable – involving activities that your organisation can maintain without adversely affecting your business goals.
4. More than Being Green….
CSR is about more than environmental responsibility or having a recycling policy. CSR is about considering the whole picture, from your internal processes to your clients, taking in every step that your business takes during day-to-day operations.
Finally, CSR is…
A long-term approach to business that addresses the needs of communities, people and their employers. CSR provides frameworks for successful enterprise that is harmonious with its surroundings. CSR is an opportunity to generate honest, authentic good-news stories that a business and its community can be proud of.
CSR must be sustainable – remaining a fundamental part of your business regardless of changing fortunes.