Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility into Your Organisation

The 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which saw over 1,100 garment workers lose their lives, was a long overdue wake-up call for international fashion and retail brands. Countless high-end fashion brands were implicated in the disaster, a tragic reminder that ‘doing business’ in a global world has sometimes unseen repercussions. It also shone a light on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Why CSR Matters for Your Business

What is CSR? It’s perhaps easiest to put yourself in the shoes of a consumer. As a consumer with many options, how do you choose one brand over another?

Do you compare the price, quality and reputation of each product? Or do you think about how well the company treats its employees, how tightly controlled their supply chain is, how ethical the company is, their impact on the environment, and whether they engage with local communities?

How about you as a business owner or leader? Does the notion of CSR change? Do the same principles apply? Is doing good good for business? In other words, is it possible for CSR to shift from being a box-ticking compliance issue to something that benefits your organisation, the wider community and the environment? In short, can we be sure that CSR pays?

CSR does not need huge resources thrown at it, nor does it require huge man-hours. It requires the commitment of business leaders to look beyond their next short-term horizon towards a much broader future.

Currently, most CSR professionals are housed in communications and PR departments, but CSR can and should infiltrate every department – from supply chain, procurement, innovation, manufacturing, and HR, all the way to disposal. Yet CSR shouldn’t just come down to the interest and drive of a few individuals. Every person in the workforce should take an active role. Only then will the corporate culture and focus shift from the single to the triple bottom line.

The State of CSR in Australia Annual Review by the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility is the largest ongoing research study of CSR capabilities and practices in Australia. The ongoing research in CSR across various industries continues to highlight the growing importance of corporate responsibility practices. These studies provide valuable insights into how businesses can integrate CSR into their operations, improve sustainability, and enhance their reputation. By following emerging trends and adopting best practices, companies can ensure that their CSR efforts not only benefit society but also contribute to long-term business success.

Download the whitepaper to learn about the simple steps that can ensure CSR pays – in ways far deeper than just financial.