In today’s competitive market, it’s difficult for businesses to care about society or the environment rather than caring about earning profits. With dwindling world climate and increasing pollution in the air, the small businesses should start thinking about adopting Corporate Social Responsibility. Being socially responsible is the right way to operate in the corporate sector and help build the whole community. This way, businesses will know when, where, and how to perform their daily operations without harming the environment.
Corporate social responsibility isn’t just for corporations anymore. Small businesses must include socially responsible efforts to compete in an economy where social issues are nearly as important as the products and services you sell. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the self-imposed responsibility of companies to society in areas such as the environment, the economy, employee well-being, and competition ethics. Many companies use internal CSR regulation as a form of moral compass to positively influence the ethical development of their business.
The possibilities of practicing Corporate Social Responsibility are endless, with supportive employees and customers on the back end. Any small business can quickly become more socially cautious with the right mindset and determination. Such companies are considered one of the building blocks of society as they join forces with the environment.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is practiced by those businesses that want to be socially accountable for their business operations. Such business models take into consideration the moral, ethical, and socially desirable ways to perform different tasks. They are also loyal and sincere to the public and stakeholders. Another name given to CSR is corporate citizenship, where businesses become more cautious of their social, environmental, and economic impact.
Businesses will have to identify the negative factors affecting the society and eliminate them. They will also have to implement some beneficial ways to become more socially responsible in the future. In this way, small businesses will gradually prosper and build a positive brand image, as well. One way to do so will be through using and promoting eco-friendly products. Some examples of eco-friendly products can be eco-friendly bags, recycled plastic wraps, organic towels, biodegradable paper, and recycled bottles.
Following is a list of ways to help small businesses practice Corporate Social Responsibility in the right away:
Devising a Corporate Social Responsibility Plan
Small companies should incorporate CSR in their business plan from the very beginning. They should not hesitate about adopting the right code of ethics to operate in a healthy working environment. It’s crucial to plan everything systematically, from outlining the code of conduct between employees and customer services to highlighting environmental issues. A business should pinpoint how to work, keeping the welfare of the society in mind as much as possible. With the help of a proper CSR plan, small businesses will stay devoted to the environmental and social goals as well.
Creating Realistic Goals
Most small businesses want to do a lot for the environment but fail to do so because of the unattainable goals. There are many reasons for failure, a major one being the ineffective allocation of available budget. That is why businesses should work on creating realistic goals to achieve them in time. Try taking one step at a time by setting small goals in the beginning. For example, using biodegradable products instead of non-recyclable ones.
Taking Part in Safety and Health Programs
Small businesses can easily follow safety programs at work, which will secure society’s welfare in terms of providing a safe working environment for the employees. Healthcare programs and awareness campaigns about the situation will help in increasing the business’s reliability. That is also an effective way to leave a long-lasting impression on clients who want to work with sensible organizations.
Discussing Plans with Suppliers
Try to get the suppliers on the same page for future ease and mutual benefit in the underlying process. Therefore, informing the suppliers about the social interests of the business can meet the overall business expectations. Discuss issues such as ethical ways of supplying materials and appropriate pricing methods beforehand. In this way, everything will go according to the devised plan.
Teaming Up with Compatible Small Businesses
Now that you know about how to practice Corporate Social Responsibility try to get on board with like-minded companies. That will help you in building a corporate social community where businesses look out for each other. Joining hands with other socially conscious activities will also lead to new opportunities to promote your small business. Fundraising organizations and charities will soon reach out to you, and it will benefit the economy and society in return.
Giving Out Bonuses and Rewards Regularly
The best way to influence others in your business to practice CSR will be through giving regular bonuses and monthly rewards. That will motivate others to contribute to a charity and donate from time to time. Employees, as well as customers, can be encouraged to donate more, with rewards given to them for doing that. Within the organization, the productivity level of employees and their morale will boost up, while maintaining a good reputation in the society. Customers always prefer to interact with socially responsible businesses, and rewards will be a fantastic way to promote that.
Avoid Indulging in Green Washing Your Small Business
There is no point in making deceptive claims about the services and products of your business when you know those claims cannot meet the expectations. Try to be fair and honest with your clients while promoting your business in an environmentally friendly way. The integrity of the company should never be undermined and use only effective marketing strategies. Rather than manipulating the public, play fairly, and never risk your company’s image through greenwashing.
One more tip to consider here will be to get a B-Corp certification done. Those companies that are socially cautious and want to benefit the environment will get these certificates. B-Corps are companies that get certified to operate for the betterment of society. The primary purpose of such companies is to generate profit while creating value for the general public and the environment.
Conclusion
When your business accomplishes the pre-set CSR goals, everything will come in place. By practicing Corporate Social Responsibility, you will earn the trust of your employees and other stakeholders. The public will also favor your company’s products and services over the competitors’ products and services. This type of positive and socially accountable attitude will improve the company’s image and brand name in the corporate sector.
Learn what corporate social responsibility is, and how small businesses can build a stronger connection with followers by implementing low-risk social campaigns.
Many people may believe that corporate social responsibility is only for big name brands with the money to do good and still turn a profit. Yet, smaller businesses can also get in on the trends and it may even improve their bottom line.
A recent report found that three-quarters of people are likely to start shopping at a company that supports an issue they agree with and 71% think it’s important for businesses to take a position on social movements.
More than half of the people surveyed said they are likely to stop shopping at a company that supports an issue they disagree with, though. This means that small businesses may lose customers if they end up supporting a divisive issue.
So, how can small businesses leverage the rewards of social responsibility without risking the loss of valuable customers?
In this article, we explain what corporate social responsibility is, and explore ways for smaller businesses to get in on the trend without taking risks they can’t afford to lose.
What Is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility For Small Businesses Business
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a term that began in the boardroom with the intention to impress shareholders.
As more consumers expect brands to support social issues, though, its meaning is adapting to cater to consumers.
Corporate Social Responsibility For Small Businesses Hiring
In layman’s terms, corporate social responsibility is action taken on behalf of businesses that contribute to the betterment of society. CSR generally implies that a company takes at least one of the following four actions:
- Take a stand on a social cause
- Donate to a charity or social cause
- Employ sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices
- Start a conversation or movement around a social cause
Data shows that consumers care most about a business’s environmentally-friendly business practices (71%), followed by how it gives back to the local community (68%).
Smaller companies can easily integrate the top consumer priorities for social responsibility. Implementing environmentally-friendly practices and giving back to the local community are both tasks that are easy to do and unlikely to cause a controversy that could sink a smaller business.
Corporate Social Responsibility Examples
In this section, we take a look at the types of socially responsible campaigns that avoid controversy, making them good examples of the kinds of social issues that are ideal for smaller businesses.
The Many Different Ways Google Gives Back
Google exercises corporate social responsibility in many ways. For starters, it is the largest corporate renewable energy purchaser in the world.
The corporate giant also actively supports International Women's Day by recognizing the impact of women in business. Its Instagram account is packed with introductions of women who have had a positive effect on society.
For example, one post celebrates ice cream company Coolhaus’s CEO Natasha Case and co-founder Freya Estreller for their contributions to society.
Corporate Social Responsibility Ideas For Small Business
Google also actively supports Black Girl Magic, a movement that 'celebrates the beauty, power, and resilience of black women.”
For example, in one video Google featured inspirational black female role models such as a ballet dancer, congresswoman, gymnast, and judge.
Corporate Social Responsibility Policy For Small Business
Google also goes out of its way to show support to pet lovers with dog-friendly office policies and a “Doogle” campaign, that showcases the dogs of Google offices.
Google’s renewable energy efforts, intersectional support of women, and dog-friendly campaigns are all good examples of the types of campaigns appropriate for small businesses.
Lego Joins Top 10 Most Reputable Companies Worldwide
The LEGO Group now ranks as the second most reputable company in the world as recognized by Global RepTrak.
LEGO’s goal is to create a “safer, more unified society, meet the shifting needs of the world in the 21st century and preserve the long-term health of our planet.” according to its 2018 responsibility report.
It meets its high expectations with an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process, including the use of sustainable product materials and wind power.
LEGO also contributes to organizations around the world that support children affected by conflict and it champions the rights of children’s safety.
LEGO demonstrates social responsibility by supporting environmentally-friendly practices and advocating for the safety of their main consumer – children.
How Can Smaller Businesses Begin to Think About CSR?
When corporations decide how to structure their corporate responsibility initiatives, one of their primary goals is to match issues and causes with the personalities of their existing customer base.
Small business social involvement may require more sensitivity to lower the risk of controversy, especially for businesses that don’t have prior experience with CSR.
The examples above demonstrate many ways that companies can take a stand on or contribute to a cause without risking losses. Some ways small businesses can begin committing to CSR include:
Contributing To Charities
In the LEGO examples above, the company aligns its efforts with its buyer persona - children and parents. By supporting children in various situations across the globe, LEGO reinforces its commitment to its customer base.
Look to your products and services to discover ways that support issues and causes that are close to the hearts of your customers.
Consider profit-based contributions that allocate a percentage of sales toward an organization or charity. This helps draw attention to the cause because you can promote it as part of the sales process, and offers an affordable way to make contributions.
Giving Back to Your Local Community
Fundraising and volunteer events are another way that small businesses can exercise social responsibility.
Coordinated volunteer days or events that raise money for charities are a good way to harness publicity while making an effort to better your community.
Social responsibility doesn’t have to take a bite out of small business profits.
Look for Ways to Improve Your Carbon Footprint
It may be impossible for small businesses to switch to 100% renewable energy or manufacture with 100% sustainable profits.
You can, however, make an effort toward improving your carbon footprint, and put a plan in place to gradually implement more environmentally-friendly practices.
Raising awareness on issues like recycling offers an opportunity to encourage and train employees on a more proactive approach. It’s something that can take place onsite, and companies can even provide incentives to encourage participation in employee recycling programs.
Although reducing your carbon footprint may be a small start on a long journey, it’s also a socially responsible movement in the right direction.
Small Businesses Can Give Back in Many Ways
There are many ways that small businesses can commit to social responsibility. Some offer excellent public relations opportunities, while others lay a foundation of integrity amongst employees and build a path toward future CSR efforts.
Corporate social responsibility isn’t just for corporations anymore. Small businesses must include socially responsible efforts to compete in an economy where social issues are nearly as important as the products and services you sell.
Rhonda Bradley is a copy and content writer who helps businesses succeed through inbound marketing and well-written web pages. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her composing at the piano. Find her at RBradleyCopywriting.com.