Every business owner wants to create a productive and healthy work environment. That’s not always easy, however, there are some practical ways that are proven to work.
One great idea is to aim at having a socially responsible business. This can be achieved by getting involved in sustainable development and having initiatives concerning social well-being. As a result, you will see improvement in teamwork, company morale, and overall productivity.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, is a series of initiatives taken up by a company that isn’t about monetary benefits (or any quick results, for that matter), but aim to have a positive influence on the environment and society.
Businesses who voluntarily decide to pay attention to the environment and become socially responsible are taken more seriously. Engaging in such activities, however, has benefits both for society and for the company itself. Let’s see how.
How is CSR Good for Your Business?
Embracing CSR business welcomes innovation and stands out in a competitive field. This can easily be used as part of a marketing campaign to grab the attention of clients or potential partners who also care about the environment and want to work with socially responsible businesses. Don’t be surprised when you start attracting and retaining the right talent too.
Engaging workers in activities related to social causes is proven to improve employee performance. People tend to form a better connection with customers and become more involved in what the company is doing, which helps boost employee morale and promote teamwork.
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives also lead to cutting costs. One example would be spending less on energy by using electricity more efficiently.
Now that you know why being socially responsible in your business is a great idea let’s see what actions business owners and HR managers can take to embrace CSR.
How to Build a Socially Responsible Business
1. Adjust your company values.
Now that you focus on the environment and society more, it’s time to update your company mission, add something about giving back and the new initiatives you’re involved with.
Don’t forget to be authentic. Doing this for the wrong reasons (such as higher profitability or greater audience engagement through video marketing) won’t do you any good.
It’s important to truly believe in the cause you support so you can also make your people understand why that’s worth pursuing.
2. Have a new hiring approach.
The next time you’re about to hire or partner up with someone, make sure they care about the greater good too. If you make this a priority, over time you’ll create the ideal team and work environment where everyone will be driven by the same goals and vision.
3. Participate in charitable activities.
Choose your very first initiative and take action. Nothing will happen until you’re associated with an environmental or social organization.
4. Foster a community.
Now that you’re a socially conscious business, you can network with other business owners doing the same. You’re more likely to approach investors as they prefer to work with companies who are involved in such activities.
The social aspect of having embraced CSR is important. Your employees should be actively involved, and you might even consider having a weekly or monthly meeting discussing current and new activities.
That might turn into everyone’s hobby over time and thus bring people together.
Getting in touch with the Chamber of Commerce in your city allows you to find out the other local businesses who are socially responsible. Usually, everyone is open to partnerships when it comes to the greater good. And the more people you have on your side, the bigger the impact you’ll make.
5. Encourage employees to go the extra mile.
If you don’t share your vision for making the world a little better through your cause with everyone on the team, you risk being misunderstood. If workers assume you’re doing this for the wrong reasons or that you’re taking even more of their time weekly without any compensation, they might not be eager to do it.
That’s why it’s worth allowing them to be part of the decision-making process. Let them know what the benefits for them are once they work for a socially responsible company. Every person will find more meaning in their life and will be more grateful once they start giving. Maybe they never had the chance so far, so you can give them that opportunity. Have rewards and bonuses that will serve as incentives for employees to get engaged in the new activities.
Building a socially responsible business isn’t always easy. It requires significant effort and might even involve increased costs, but eventually, you get back much more value that lasts. Are you ready to embrace Corporate Social Responsibility and see how your work environment is changing?
