Jump Start Your CSR this Holiday Season

There is no better time than the holiday season for your business to take the leap into corporate social responsibility (CSR) aka doing good.

Implementing a social responsibility program for your company comes with major ROI. Employees are more productive, engaged, and committed when they know their employer cares about them, their community, and doing good. Customers take notice and are more loyal. Team moral improves. You’re thinking… why haven’t we done this already?

Let’s start by getting creative. Many organizations are overwhelmed this time of year and that provides ample opportunities for your company to get involved. Consider a few of the activities below to dabble into CSR.

• Participate in holiday food or toy drives.
• Donate and/or volunteer at coat or clothing drives.
• Volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter.
• Start an employee competition to help an organization meet end of year goals.
  • Don’t forget a prize for the winner.

To increase company participation, send an email to poll your staff on their preferred activity. Choose options that are relevant to your community and customer base. Once you know what matters to the team try some out. Or better yet, try a few out!

Encourage your employees to get involved, but start at the top. It is especially important that management is involved. Successful CSR programs have complete buy-in from the C-suite to entry-level positions. It’s always better when your team sees that giving back matters to everyone, even the CEO.

During the process, be sure to keep track of employee volunteer hours, toys donated, and team involvement. Once your first foray into CSR has ended look at the data to determine which activities and organizations really get your staff engaged, and start planning your next CSR effort. 

Whether you’re looking for a one-time holiday activity for your team or dipping your toes into the world of social good, this is the perfect time of year to get started.

Cheers!