Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has fully established itself as a major priority for leading businesses, and today many leaders feel a growing sense of urgency to give back to society. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and CSR has found its place in the corporate world, individuals at every organizational level are realizing that they can play a significant role in making a difference in their communities.
But what makes a CSR program truly exemplary? They stand out because the entire company is made up of CSR champions.
Why you should build CSR champions
There are many reasons to build a company of CSR champions beyond just the desire to do good. Have a look:- Improved employee engagement. Charitable giving efforts connect employees to their work, creating a more engaged workforce. When you succeed in making and maintaining that connection, that’s truly championship-level CSR. In fact, 88% of corporate leaders believe CSR programs boost employee engagement. These efforts can lend a sense of purpose to people’s jobs, which increases employee engagement.
- Boosted reputation. CSR efforts can improve your company’s public image. It’s important that companies not only respond to issues their audience cares about but also let the public know that they are taking action on them. Through robust social media and PR campaigns, your company can spread the word and begin seeing results. After all, 82% of consumers prefer to make a purchase from a company that advocates for an issue they care about.
- Added customer loyalty. Studies show that 36% of customers will increase their spending with a company whose stances they agree with. If you need to raise prices somewhat to cover your CSR initiatives, customers will understand and still be willing to continue purchasing your products, knowing their spending is going towards a good cause.