Do the corporate social responsibility thing

Businesses, both big and small, are integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of their objectives and mission. This plays a key role in attracting and retaining employees, stakeholders, customers and clients.

Consumers’ deciding factors when it comes to spending is influenced by whether or not businesses are driven by CSR principles. Those who don’t are seen as unethical, developing reputations warranting them to be frowned upon. The same goes for potential employees – CSR plays the role of attracting recruits due to the role the company plays within its community.

To implement CSR into your organisation, you don’t need to be a well-established organisation with hundreds of employees- it’s possible to have CSR as a small business that helps one person at a time. Doing the following two things will ensure a good foundation for establishing your CSR:

• Find what is important to you and make it your mission

If something does not matter to you or your business, it won’t be worth your while. Once you have determined what social impact you and your business would like to have, make it part of the business’ mission statement, which will provide a framework on how this will be achieved.

• Think about stakeholders

Investors, customers, employees, and the community – these people are the reason your business is where it is. Your CSR affects them directly because it represents the kind of business they support. Because you account to these people, your CSR practices should be transparent. Losing their trust in you will do nothing but tarnish a reputation you have built.

There are existing influencers and CSR advocates out there and seeking information and partnerships with them will help your business.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. (E&OE)