The implementation of a CSR approach comes with multiple benefits, and many companies have now understood this. If you too want to integrate an effective CSR policy into your organization, here are some key steps to follow.
CSR approach in business: 5 essential steps
When we launch a CSR approach (Corporate Social Responsibility), it is not always easy to know where to start. To help you, here are 5 key steps for an effective and sustainable implementation.
1 — Define a CSR manager
Before starting anything, it is important to designate a CSR manager in the company. Depending on the size of the person, the person may have additional missions or be 100% dedicated to CSR. It is even possible to create an entire team, or a department responsible for overseeing this subject.
The CSR referent must take the necessary measures to ensure that the company's CSR policy is applied, that the planned actions take place, and that the teams are motivated by the chosen CSR strategy. It must also analyze the impact of the approaches.
The person responsible for CSR must be a volunteer. If you do not identify anyone capable of carrying out this mission internally, do not hesitate to recruit externally.
2 — Conduct a CSR audit
It is then important to perform a CSR balance sheet or audit, in order to measure the societal impact of the company at a given date. This makes it possible to have a precise vision of what has already been achieved in the company and to determine the major points of improvement.
During this audit, you can also list and analyze the actions taken in businesses similar to yours. This can help you assess yourself in relation to your environment.
3 — Define an action plan
Then comes the time to draw up a CSR action plan. This must define the company's social, environmental and economic goals. These goals should be measurable so that you can determine if they have been achieved or not.
Develop a concrete plan, with various actions to put in place. Each measure should be accompanied by dates, resources, and goals.
4 — Involve your employees in your CSR approach
There is no secret: a CSR approach always works better when employees are involved.
To do this, they must first of all be made aware of and trained in social and environmental issues. Understanding the benefits of the actions implemented in the company allows them to be more motivated and more committed to actions that are beneficial to society.
You can also offer your employees the means to get involved in causes that are important to them, for example by offering them to devote part of their time to an association (this is skills sponsorship).
With a crowdfunding platform such as Teamstarter, each employee can allocate the budget of their choice (the maximum is defined by the company) to projects initiated by their colleagues. As soon as the necessary amount is reached, project leaders realize their idea. It is a very innovative way to implement CSR actions initiated by the employees themselves.
5 — Communicate about your CSR actions
It is then important to communicate well concerning all the CSR actions carried out by the company. In many structures, this part is unfortunately overlooked.
Internally, first of all, you can transmit your action plan as well as the calendar of events organized, so that all employees are aware of what is being done by the company. Feel free to be transparent about goals and results so that everyone feels fully involved.
Externally, you can share your values and the responsible practices that you put in place on a daily or ad hoc basis. You can also choose to publish a CSR report on a regular basis in order to make all of your actions public.
Communication allows all stakeholders to know the extent of the company's CSR approach. This improves the brand image, to attract customers, to retain them, or to recruit more easily.
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Why implement a CSR approach in business?
Setting up a CSR policy in business has various interests:
- Comply with legal obligations. Some companies are in fact forced by law to engage in a CSR approach.
- Affirm its social and environmental values.
- Reduce certain costs, in particular by reducing the use of energy.
- Enhance your employer brand, attract talent, engage employees and reduce turnover.
- Increase brand awareness by differentiating itself from competitors.
- Reduce its environmental impact.
The implementation of a CSR approach in business must be done in a structured way in order to be able to last over time. To do this, define a CSR manager, then conduct an audit to establish an action plan. Consider involving your employees in the process, and communicating about your actions transparently, both internally and externally. Finally, do not forget to carry out a new audit or balance sheet every year or two in order to measure the true scope of your CSR policy and to be able to adjust your actions if necessary.
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