Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about taking responsibility for the impact an organisation has on society, the community and the environment. It is a way for companies to give back while enhancing their reputation. So how can you make your CSR strategy work for you?
A CSR initiative should tie into a company’s core mission and be closely aligned to the brand’s personality and values. In order to maximise impact, your company should narrow its focus to one or two core areas or causes – ones which resonate most with team members. This approach can be truly rewarding and have a positive and lasting effect on your organisation and chosen cause. Here are five benefits of adopting a Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
1. Improve business reputation
Investing in a CSR programme can help you to build a reputation as a responsible business, which can, in turn, lead to competitive advantage. Suppliers and customers are more likely to work with, and choose, a company who has demonstrated a commitment to improving society. CSR is a great way to differentiate your brand and build customer loyalty with those who connect with your chosen cause. People feel good about engaging with organisations that help the community.
2. Improve relationships
As well as building customer loyalty, a CSR programme can improve relationships with many other stakeholders. CSR initiatives provide a great opportunity to form relationships with local media, who are likely to cover your stories and generate positive coverage for the CSR efforts you make in the local community. By working together with clients and partners to achieve a CSR goal, these relationships are also greatly enhanced.
3. Attract and retain talent
Consulting employees before launching CSR initiatives is an important step, as this will ensure maximum buy-in from staff. Employees who are engaged with a CSR programme and who see their company in the media for positive reasons are likely to be much happier in their work. Furthermore, a CSR programme will help you attract the right talent who identify with your core values as communicated through your CSR programme.
4. Reduce costs
An easy way for companies to start their CSR journey is to use it as a way of cutting costs through sustainability projects. A CSR initiative can give a company the kick it needs to implement changes that make long-term sense such as switching to LED lighting or reducing packaging. Those who commit to reducing carbon emissions not only help to improve the sustainability of the wider business sector, but also set themselves up to achieve long-term savings.
5. Positive impact on society
The core strategic objective of any successful CSR programme should be to help society. Organisations have a huge part to play in shaping the society we all live in and should take an active role in making our community a better place for all. By focusing on one or two areas, companies can make a transformative impact and lead great change.
CSR contributions can come in the form of monetary or goods and services donations, volunteerism, or by forging strong partnerships with charity partners. Over the years, Comit has given back to some really worthy causes that resonate with our team. Recently, we partnered with Young Social Innovators (YSI), Ireland’s largest social innovation and entrepreneurial education programme for 12 to 18 year-old teens. We donate PR services and expertise to help the organisation spread its empowering message and reach more schools, educators and students.
Comit also takes part in Techies4TempleStreet, an annual event which brings together the tech community in Ireland to take part in a day-long treasure hunt across Dublin city – all while raising much needed funds. Over the past two years, Comit has contributed over €5,000 to an extremely worthy cause.
We work closely with these causes and feel immense satisfaction when seeing the positive impact our contribution makes. Increasingly, organisations of all sizes are adopting some form of Corporate Social Responsibility programme. This makes sense from both a business and social perspective. Businesses can enjoy a wide range of benefits through giving back.
Convinced? Great! If you’re looking for assistance in designing, implementing and communicating an impactful CSR programme, why not contact Comit’s experienced team of PR professionals today to see how we can help.