3

What is Corporate Social Responsibility? And What is the Purpose? For People Teams

#
giving
#
CSR
Cori Hammoor
Director of Marketing
July 20, 2023

CSR is a hot topic these days and for good reason. Consumers, investors, and employees are all demanding that businesses do more to give back to society. As a People leader, you have a unique opportunity to help your company embrace CSR and reap the many benefits that come with it.

What is corporate social responsibility?

CSR stands for corporate social responsibility. It's a broad term that encompasses a company's efforts to be good to the environment, its employees, and its community. CSR can take many forms, such as:

What is the purpose of corporate social responsibility?

There are many reasons why CSR is important for businesses. For one, it can help to improve your company's reputation. In today's world, consumers are more likely to buy from companies that they believe are doing good for the world. CSR can also help to attract and retain top talent. Employees are increasingly looking for companies that share their values, and CSR is a great way to demonstrate that your company is committed to making a difference.

How to get employees engaged in CSR

One of the best ways to get employees engaged in CSR is to make it a part of your company culture. Start by talking to your employees about the importance of CSR and how they can get involved. You can also create a CSR committee or task force to help plan and implement CSR initiatives.

Here are some other tips for getting employees engaged in CSR:

  • Make it easy for employees to get involved. Offer a variety of ways for employees to participate, such as volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about your company's CSR initiatives.
  • Make it fun. CSR shouldn't be all work and no play. Find ways to make CSR activities enjoyable for employees, such as organizing a team-building volunteer event or sponsoring a company-wide fundraising campaign.
  • Recognize and reward employees for their contributions. Let employees know that their efforts are appreciated. You can do this by giving them public recognition, providing them with opportunities for professional development, or simply saying thank you.

CSR is a win-win for businesses and society.

When businesses embrace CSR, they benefit in many ways. They improve their reputation, attract and retain top talent, and build stronger relationships with their customers and communities. CSR is also good for society as a whole. It helps to address important social and environmental issues, and it makes the world a better place.

As a People leader, you can play a key role in helping your company embrace CSR. By getting employees engaged in CSR, you can help to create a more positive and productive workplace, and you can make a difference in the world.

CSR is like a well-functioning People department. It's not just about doing good for the sake of doing good. It's about creating a better workplace for everyone, and it's about making a positive impact on the world. Just like a well-functioning People department, CSR can help to attract and retain top talent, improve employee morale, and boost productivity.

Other blog posts

Blog
Giving Season Recap: Where Employees Donated in 2025 (And Trends We Predict in 2026)
Giving Season Recap: Where Employees Donated in 2025 (And Trends We Predict in 2026)
#
giving
#
CSR

Giving Season Recap: Where Employees Donated in 2025 (And Trends We Predict in 2026)

A data-driven look at where employees donated in 2025—and how companies should shape CSR strategy in 2026.
Blog
How to Update Your Matching Gift Program for 2026 (New Tax Law)
How to Update Your Matching Gift Program for 2026 (New Tax Law)
#
CSR
#
platform

How to Update Your Matching Gift Program for 2026 (New Tax Law)

Learn how 2026 tax changes create a new $1,000 giving incentive and how to refresh your matching gift program to fit.
Blog
Your Employees ARE Your Heroes: Donor-Centric Workplace Giving
Your Employees ARE Your Heroes: Donor-Centric Workplace Giving
#
platform
#
giving

Your Employees ARE Your Heroes: Donor-Centric Workplace Giving

See how donor-centric workplace giving boosts engagement, retention, and real impact by making employees the heroes.
bright red decorative half circle shape
light blue decorative hexagon

See your new platform live

Get a personalized demo

Percent Pledge is different, by design:

  • Modern design. No training required.
  • Dedicated Social Impact Managers.
  • Lowest donation fees in the industry.

Over 50% of employees engage.