Today’s competitive environment requires companies to go beyond “doing good.” Therefore, CSR programs should also go beyond just being good. They should be able to tell a company’s story and develop effective feedback and strategies to improve the community.
To effectively implement corporate social responsibility programs, they must be aligned with a company’s business model. Doing so will allow them to serve their customers and communities for a long time.
Here are various ways a company can create a sustainable and strategic social responsibility program.
Use Your Company’s Strengths
Although there are many worthy causes that a company can support, without a clear understanding of what their current capabilities are, CSR efforts may not be practical. Having the necessary knowledge and resources to support a cause that aligns with its core values can help boost a company’s sales and improve its customer relationships.
Find Out What’s Important to Your Customers
A study by Cone Communications revealed that 87% of consumers would purchase products if a company supported an environmental or social issue.
Customers support socially responsible companies by donating to charity, purchasing products that benefit the community, and even boycotting companies that do not do enough to improve the environment. These actions show that consumers are still willing to punish those that do not consider their social responsibilities.
Consider What Your Employees Want
Many strategic companies are also utilizing CSR programs to grow their workforce. According to a survey, over 70% of millennials consider a company’s environmental and social commitments when deciding where to work. In addition, most of them would not consider a job offer if a company did not have strong social responsibility policies.
Survey results also indicated that employees are more engaged and stay with a company longer, which can help lower business costs. Over 80% of millennials said that their job is more fulfilling if they can positively impact environmental and social issues. There are various initiatives that a company can implement, such as paid time off for volunteering.
Consider All the Possibilities
Before the emergence of corporate citizenship programs, good corporate citizenship was usually defined by various initiatives such as annual giving programs and cause marketing campaigns. However, as more consumers and companies have become involved in the process, the concept of responsible business has become more innovative.
A study conducted by Cone Communications revealed that customers are most likely to consider a company’s actions important when it comes to being good employers. They also want to see a company that can protect the environment and the individual well-being of its employees.
Be Adaptable
Even the best plans for a company’s social responsibility program may require changes. This can be done through the redirection of resources, the establishment of new programs, or the acquisition of new partners. Having the flexibility to adapt to changes can help keep your program relevant and timely.
Corporate citizenship programs can bring value to society and business, but they can also be done poorly if they are not aligned with the company’s revenue goals. Having the proper resources and strategies can help keep the program running smoothly.