Corporate Social Responsibility

Last Updated on November 2, 2022 / HR Strategy

 

Question:

My new VP is focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and I’m not really sure what that means.  Can you explain what that means and how HR has a role?

Answer:

Corporate Social Responsibility is a broad term for self-regulating oneself in terms of ethical responsibility and compliance. The term can refer to both internal and external activities that an organization can take part in to improve itself as well as the communities and environments in which it works. Strategic HR Leaders should take an active role in Corporate Social Responsibility. There are a number of ways HR can help with this initiative.

• Take the lead by linking the identified corporate initiatives and tie them to bonus programs, development plans, retention, not to mention recruiting. These identified initiatives can become measurable results for the entire organization. Highlighting these in employer branding helps attract values-aligned talent.
• Engage employees in community and volunteer efforts. Create programs and community partnerships that reinforce the company’s values.
• Lead ethical culture and compliance initiatives. Embed ethical decision making by providing training, investigating concerns, reinforcing codes of conduct and ensure leaders model expected behaviors.