Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a broad definition ranging from Human Rights to environmental sustainability to volunteering in the community. It can be used as a management tool for a variety of strategic reasons, such as building a reputation, positioning an organization advantageously, or simply to have a positive impact on the community. While all areas of CSR are important, I think that volunteering and giving back to the community is an area that has many benefits. So, why should an organization give back to the community? The following are activities that fall under CSR;
- CSR can improve public image and your brand. It is important for organizations to have a positive public image as this can increase business and potential clientele. People want to do business with organizations that are socially conscious. This demonstrates a commitment to more than just the business itself but a commitment to making society a better place.
- CSR can increase employee engagement. It can support both personal and professional development through learning new skills and experiencing new opportunities in the community. Providing employees with the opportunity to engage in activities they are passionate about intensifies overall workplace satisfaction and can increase loyalty and retention.
- CSR increases the talent pool. A recent poll found that given the choice, 68% of Canadians would choose a job with a company that has a strong volunteering culture over one that does not. This is particularly true of the millennial generation who want to volunteer and feel a part of a larger purpose. The same article mentioned that two-thirds of the young professionals surveyed by Cone Communications said they would not work for companies that didn’t have strong volunteer programs.
MCE supports CSR and encourages staff to be engaged in the community. Some organizations that MCE employees are affiliated with include The Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity, CIBC Run for the Cure, AMICA Senior Living, Lake Association in Huntsville, Glen Morris Central School, Stoney Creek Rotary, Alternatives for Youth, and a variety of Chambers and Human Resources Professional Associations. Our commitment to CSR demonstrates not only a loyalty and care for our local community but also a desire to be connected with local businesses and associations.
Carrie Deon
Human Resources Generalist
