Engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility: 10 Transformative Ways for Business Owners to Contribute
Many believe that corporate social responsibility only applies to big companies that earn millions of dollars every year. However, every company can practice it to give back to society and make a positive impact. It can create a culture of giving in your organization, and enhance your brand value in the industry.
Not sure how to do it? Well, here, we have listed ten ways to engage in corporate social responsibility and give back to society as a business owner.
Practice Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is the first step in giving back to society as a business owner. One of the first steps of this eco-friendly practice is minimizing waste production and service. You can apply it in every step of the process. The other steps include recycling materials and waste, and going for energy-efficient practices.
To create a positive brand image, team up with local recycling programs and reduce manufacturer waste. Choose the most energy-efficient machinery and let the others go.
Start a Community Awards Program
Another way to give back to society is to recognize other businesses that are giving back to it positively. You can start a community and business appreciation awards program. Some community awards examples include the Business of the Year Award, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Best Business Leadership Award, Small Business of the Year Award, and New Business of the Year Award.
Hosting an award event can expose your brand name and reach more customers. Choose your preferred criteria for judgment and choose an unbiased jury for fair judgment.
Start Educational Support Programs
Starting an educational support program for your local community can also enhance your brand value and position your company as a socially responsible one. Find local educational organizations that align with your values and discuss how much support they need. You can create a scholarship program for underprivileged yet meritorious students who can’t afford higher education. Or, you can design a mentorship program and bear the entire cost for a few selected students. Here, your employees can also teach in small programs if they have the required skills.
Support Local Charities and Nonprofits
Charities and nonprofits always collect donations from other for-profit organizations. You can make regular contributions or sponsor their projects to enhance your brand value. Start by listing the local charities and nonprofits that share the same values and business ethics as you. You can donate money for their cause or partner with them for a social project.
Additionally, promote these causes and encourage your customers to donate to these charities to position yourself as a socially responsible brand.
Encourage Employee Volunteerism
Encouraging your employees to engage in volunteer activities can create a culture of giving and selflessness within your organization. It will strengthen your positioning in the industry as a socially responsible company, and at the same time, add more value to your employees’ resumes. So, they will be willing to participate.
If the project doesn’t need more workers, you can list down the skills of your employees and have them teach or train others as part of the volunteer program.
Adopt Ethical Supply Chain Practices
Adopting ethical supply chain practices helps you impact society positively and enhances your brand value. Your supply chain affects many stakeholders. Create a layout for the entire process and mark where you can begin ethical practices. Design and Implement a supplier code of conduct. Enforce fair labor practices and partner with suppliers with the same values and ethics as your organization
Practice Diversity and Inclusion
Another way to practice corporate social responsibility is to practice diversity and inclusion in your organization. Design proper diversity policies and implement them. If needed, arrange diversity training for all employees. Set up a fair HR department to ensure a proper and fair hiring process. Take active steps against racism in your organization and encourage employees to do the same. It’s a great practice to
Engage in Community Development
Engage in community development by identifying local development projects that improve the lifestyle of the locals and try to contribute to them. Build local infrastructure or enhance existing ones, make parks, roads, and sidewalks more accessible, and build schools, healthcare facilities, and public restrooms. Build canopies over bus stands, place umbrellas over roadside benches, and build water fountains in parks. Engrave or print your logo and brand message to these elements to enhance brand exposure.
Develop Corporate Philanthropy Program
Designing and implementing corporate philanthropy programs to help the underprivileged can be a great practice of corporate social responsibility. Donate for causes such as education or healthcare. You can also create a foundation and encourage your employees and stakeholders to contribute to the mission so that your organization is well-involved in the practice. Renew the program and practices at least once a year to keep them relevant to the ongoing needs.
Contribute to Crisis Response and Relief
Aid the locals during natural calamities to enhance your brand value and establish yourself as a socially responsible organization. Partner with local NGOs and make donations to their initiatives. Take sufficient preparation before an incoming natural disaster. Help create awareness in the affected area. Your employees can choose to volunteer. Provide logistical support. Donate food, water, and medicine. These might vary depending on the type of emergency.
Corporate social responsibility is one of the few ways to enhance your brand value, especially if you’re rebranding your business. There are many other ways to practice it apart from the ones we mentioned here. However, you can start with these and slowly begin adopting more practices that benefit your community.
