For 50% of young people, a company’s CSR approach and its respect for the principles of sustainable development are key criteria when it comes to choosing a company. This is one of the findings of the NewGen for Good study conducted by Edhec.
In this article, we take a look at the fundamental principles of this approach and a selection of actions that can easily be put in place within your company.
What is CSR all about?
According to the European Commission, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as :
« a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. »
One of the common misconceptions about CSR is that it only concerns the environment. But this approach goes further. Social, environmental and economic responsibility are fundamental pillars. And the development of a CSR approach must be balanced across these three areas.
The aim would be to enable a company to continue to be economically prosperous, while having a positive impact on society and the environment.
What can be put in place?
1) Appoint a CSR manager
Whether his or her position is CSR manager or you want to involve several employees, you need to have one or more identifiable figures in the company if your approach is to be effective and relevant.
At N&C, we have introduced fortnightly meetings. This ensures that as many employees as possible are aware of the issue, and allows for the exchange of ideas and discussion.
2) Switch to green electricity
Mint Energie, Ekwateur, Ilek, EDF… Many electricity suppliers are now offering their customers a greener alternative. Depending on your structure, some may be cheaper than traditional suppliers.
Compare offers to find the provider that’s right for you. If you need to, don’t hesitate to use the VertVolt label, set up by ADEME, to make sure that your electricity is indeed green.
3) Encourage soft mobility
Soft mobility refers to all non-motorised forms of transport that are more respectful of the environment, such as car-sharing, cycling, electric scooters, etc.
In 2008, journeys between home and work already accounted for 15% of transport-related emissions. Today, no company can afford not to measure its environmental impact. Faced with this situation, decarbonising work-related journeys is at the heart of any CSR strategy.
The best way to reduce the environmental impact of your employees’ journeys is to encourage them to use more environmentally-friendly means of transport. For example, you could pay for all or part of the cost of hiring a bike or scooter. Or you can provide financial support for the purchase of a more environmentally-friendly means of mobility.
4) Promote sport in the workplace
Reduced stress, stronger team spirit, increased productivity: many studies show the close link between company sport and productivity.
According to a study conducted by Goodwill Management for the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, taking up a sporting activity improves an employee’s productivity by 6 to 9%, and the company’s profitability by 14%. So it’s a real investment for the company, with a considerable improvement in the well-being and health of the employee.
Here are a few examples of how you can promote sport in the workplace:
- By organising sessions in your offices,
- By taking part in team sports events,
- Covering part of the cost of a gym membership…
5) Reduce your waste
Your company inevitably produces waste. That’s a fact. And by reducing this waste, both in the production and shipment of your products, you will improve your company’s profitability.
Whether it’s by minimising your paper consumption, reducing over-wrapping or unnecessary packaging, or encouraging your staff to avoid single-use packaging in favour of reusable containers, there are many ways of limiting the overall volume of your final waste.
There are, of course, many other actions that can be taken: introducing recycling/composting, reducing your paper consumption, switching to LEDs and low-energy light bulbs, choosing local partners/suppliers, offering teleworking, etc.
Keyword : Action, CSR, sustainable development, environmental, economic
