Have you ever participated in your company’s CSR? Whether it was a clean-up drive or a donation campaign for underprivileged children? How did it make you feel? Fulfilling, right? It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, thanks to your organization.

Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR) is high on the agenda of every organization today. No matter the size, every company wants to contribute towards uplifting the community and society. A Deloitte study found that 76% of millennials now regard business as a force for positive social impact. And with the workforce increasingly comprising mostly of millennials, there’s no doubt that companies need CSR to help the world—and themselves.

Although CSR does not sound like part of an HR practitioner’s job, charitable giving and volunteering—i.e. CSR staples, are actually among the most popular employee engagement programs apart from health and well-being programs. Not only that but organizations that value CSR have a favorable impact on how employees rate their pride in the organization and their willingness to recommend it to others as a place to work. In other words, CSR and Employee Engagement can make magic together, but how does one boost the other?

 

 

CSR fosters a culture of team building. Much like in team outings or team-building activities, participating in a CSR campaign increases the level of trust among employees. Those who do not regularly interact within the workplace can get a chance to improve communication with other team members. Additionally, it helps improve employees’ organizational abilities, planning, and execution skills. Doesn’t it feel good to be part of a team that works well together?

 

CSR enhances personal connection. When employees meet outside of the work environment to further the social good, they also get to connect at a more personal level. With the more casual environment outside of work, it becomes easier for employees to interact and open up to others. Some even invite their friends or family members to CSR activities, which increases employees’ social circles, taking engagement to the next level.

 

CSR gives off a feel-good factor. Employees want to be associated with organizations that they can take pride in. Having the opportunity to participate in their company’s CSR activities gives employees a sense of belonging and accomplishment in the organization, helping them make a tangible difference in their personal lives.

 

Being involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives is a win-win for both employees and the organization. Creating an avenue for your employees to contribute to the greater good is an excellent way to foster an engaged and productive work environment. After all, isn’t employee engagement all about ensuring that your employees are happy, productive, valued, and respected? 

So the next time you work on your CSR programs, take a hard look at how CSR and employee engagement strategies can help each other. And if you want to improve your CSR program participation, consider this: think of your employees while planning your CSR.

 

 

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AUGUST 29, 2019

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