Free online invoicing software
with KSeF support
In an era of climate crisis, social problems, massive environmental pollution and a growing world population, running a sustainable business is not easy. As awareness of the problems around us grows, entrepreneurs face a major challenge.
How do you run a socially responsible business?
.png)
| 1) | What is CSR? |
|---|---|
| 2) | ISO 26000 |
| 3) | What activities does CSR include? |
| 4) | Benefits of introducing the concept |
| 5) | CSR marketing |
| 6) | Examples of activities |
What is CSR?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a management strategy in which enterprises voluntarily consider social interests, environmental aspects and relationships with stakeholder groups, especially employees. Being socially responsible does not mean only investing in environmental protection; it also means caring for employees and relationships with the company’s surroundings.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Leave your email address and receive guides supporting your business’s growth once a week
ISO 26000
ISO 26000, issued by the International Organization for Standardization, helps organise knowledge of this management concept and gives guidance to organisations of every type, regardless of size or location.
ISO 26000 identifies these areas of corporate social responsibility:
organisational governance,
human rights,
labour practices,
the environment,
fair operating practices,
consumer issues,
community involvement.
What activities does CSR include?
Activities for employees – family support, incentive programmes, skills training and removing barriers to development.
Social campaigns – promoting local projects, co-financing social initiatives, encouraging participation in grassroots initiatives, education, promoting appropriate attitudes and employee volunteering.
Environmental protection – implementing measures to minimise negative environmental impact, using environmentally friendly technology, ecological investment, participation in environmental campaigns and education.
Activities for the local community – scholarship programmes, working with local enterprises, supporting grassroots organisations and promoting local social campaigns.
Benefits of introducing the concept
Greater stakeholder and customer loyalty – growing social awareness means consumers choose partly based on trust in a company and its image. More consumers take an interest in environmental issues and choose brands that benefit the environment.
Greater competitiveness – a transparent CSR policy can help Polish companies build a position in world markets, where expectations of responsible business standards are clearer.
A positive image among employees – CSR can help recruit staff and motivate them without financial incentives. Codes of ethics, social programmes and environmental care improve the company’s image in employees’ eyes.
Greater investor interest – for many investors, financial credibility depends on social credibility. Lenders are more interested in businesses that responsibly develop their image and relationships with their surroundings.
Better relationships with local communities and authorities – participation in community life, local projects and events makes it easier for a company to operate smoothly and without conflict. Social responsibility helps it put down roots, gain residents’ goodwill and earn local authorities’ trust.
CSR marketing
Activities connected with running a socially responsible business are also an excellent marketing tool. Sharing information on social and environmental projects in which the company participates on its social media can contribute to the brand’s marketing success. Both sides benefit: we act for the common good and publicise worthwhile initiatives, while receiving social recognition and new conscious customers.
Examples of activities
Tree-planting campaigns have recently become very popular. Employees of corporations, smaller companies and universities take part. Besides helping the environment, such campaigns look good in the media and can integrate the team. Another example is sowing flower meadows in cities, which helps nature and also supports local activities. Another way to implement socially responsible solutions is to support local projects connected with grassroots initiative centres, community cultural centres or scientific clubs active in a particular area.
Running a business responsibly is no longer just a good marketing move and a heroic act for the environment. Today it is a kind of duty and obligation. It is worth looking at the CSR concept and drawing something useful from it for your organisation.
Interested in this article? Explore our services and see how we can help:
Our specialists can help you put this knowledge into practice.
Summary
Sources:
https://odpowiedzialnybiznes.pl/hasla-encyklopedii/spoleczna-odpowiedzialnosc-biznesu-csr/
https://www.karierawfinansach.pl/baza-wiedzy/slownik-pojec/csr-co-to-znaczy-csr
https://www.iso.org.pl/uslugi-zarzadzania/wdrazanie-systemow/odpowiedzialnosc-spoleczna-csr/
Interested in this article?
Enter your email address and once a week you will receive practical materials and tips to help you grow your business.
Book a free consultation
Grow your business with accounting combined with advisory services:
or
