23 Jan How to Start Your Corporate Social Responsibility Program

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a new concept; its just one that is taking business by storm because more people are caring about the impact that the companies that they choose to do business with have on their community, planet, and others.

CSR has many benefits both internally and externally for businesses and is one of the all-time best PR tools to implement for numerous reasons, including its reach to the bottom line. If you’re interested in implementing your own CSR program but not sure where to start, check out our quick-start guide to getting you involved with making a greater impact with your business without any stress.

1. Focus on what is important. You might already know you have certain causes or areas that you would like to support via your business. Perhaps you’re at an executive level at the company or in the marketing department, and you have a strong sense of what is important to your key publics. But, in case you don’t or you want to support multiple causes (or you just want to be sure that you’re connecting with causes that will also enhance relationships both internally and externally), then its best to start with a quick survey. Depending on the size of your organization and level of communications, you can do this easily with Survey Monkey, for example, or an email. Finding out what is important is key. If your business chooses to support a causes that perhaps is too obscure or that you only care about, meaning your employees and clients do not share its connection, then the measurable results might not turn out to be what you’re hoping to achieve.
2. Capitalize on timing. If you’re just starting out, doing something monthly for CSR might seem overwhelming. Just map out what causes you’d ideally like to support and when (worry about the how later). Maybe the timing coincides with a special milestone, a product launch, an anniversary, national observance or any other special timeframe. You can also choose causes in which you’d like to impact depending on time of year or at a certain cadence that works for your organization (i.e. monthly, quarterly, or even have the same mission year-round, etc.).
3. Now choose how. The first thing to note about CSR is that it isn’t about writing a huge check for a nonprofit. In fact, more people are appreciative of good old-fashioned rolling up of sleeves and volunteering or adjusting company procedures to make a positive impact. Decide if your organization will fundraise, participate in an event or hands-on activity such as cleaning, refurbishing or enhancing a nonprofit facility. Perhaps your group will want to simply spread awareness by making social media posts and connecting your audience to the cause. There are many ways in which how you can positively make an impact. You can also figure out how your company could lower waste, enhancing lives internally, reduce stress, or cut energy (things that are to be adjusted in the workplace procedurally).

You might be having questions about time commitment, finances, and other important details that should also be factored in, but getting started with the plan is the best way to figure those elements out.

Once you’ve gone through these three quick-start tips you should have a great starting plan to your CSR mission. Enjoy in helping others while achieving a positive work environment, enhanced customer relations and loyalty and an increase in your revenue.