Incorporating social value into business strategy is about more than just fulfilling corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements. It’s about genuinely caring enough to make a difference and showing your commitment to making a long-term impact on your community. Here are ten of the best ways to add social value and help your business stand out as catalyst for social change:
Community outreach.
Allow employees to vote for charities to support.
Create partnerships.
Educate the next generation.
Encourage the use of green technology at work.
Promote remote work
Implement a cycle-to-work scheme.
Set up a comprehensive recycling system.
Offer fair wages.
Invest in local economies.
1. Start a Community Outreach Program
A community outreach program is a great place to start to make a positive social impact and reach CSR goals. Through direct engagement with local communities, businesses can find out their most urgent needs and build stronger relationships ad trust. Hosting workshops on mental health, skill development, or creativity can make a significant difference. Rewise Learning's "Get Into Construction" workshops are a fantastic example of how you can first identify skills shortages, then create a program to address the issue while also focusing on making learning fun and inspiring creativity. Our workshops support adults in marginalised communities and young people alike. Get in contact today to partner with us in creating new community workshops that have the power to change lives.
2. Allow Employees to Vote for Charities to Support
Giving employees the opportunity to vote for which charities your company supports guarantees that your CSR initiatives reflect shared values. This encourages a group culture of responsibility and encourages active participation in social value projects. Employees are more likely to invest themselves in the company’s social responsibility efforts if they have a say in the causes being supported.
3. Create Partnerships with Nonprofits and Social Value Organizations
Collaborating with nonprofits and social value organizations is another great way to enhance social impact. Through partnerships, you can pool resources and expertise to achieve greater outcomes. For example, at Rewise Learning, we have partnered with companies across the world to help them achieve their CSR goals by delivering impactful workshops that improve well-being and equip individuals with valuable skills. Our work with the GFG Foundation in Romania offered learners the opportunity to engage in practical learning and creative work designed to increase their understanding of STEM and the exciting careers it can lead to. By engaging in partnerships, your business not only fulfills its responsibility but also extends its social value by addressing specific community needs.
4. Educate the Next Generation About Your Industry
Addressing skill shortages while promoting your brand is an effective way to fulfill your CSR objectives. By educating young people about your industry, you’re not only investing in the next generation but also ensuring a sustainable future workforce. Rewise Learning’s workshops offer the chance for companies to address skill shortages within their own industry by empowering young people to consider careers at an early stage. This approach adds social value by enhancing skills and capabilities while also supporting community development and empowering young people.
5. Encourage the Use of Green Technology at Work
As part of your CSR strategy, adopt green technology to reduce your business's environmental impact. Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources - such as solar power, and electric vehicles - shows your commitment to sustainable living. This aligns with broader social value efforts, and provides an opportunity to the company to emphasize the importance of environmental responsibility within your organization to the community.
6. Promote Remote Work
Fair wages and flexible working arrangements are essential for a responsible business culture. Remote work options can reduce your company’s carbon footprint by cutting down on commuting, heating, and lighting. This should also help decrease company expenses.
7. Implement a Cycle-to-Work Scheme
Encouraging employees to cycle to work is another great way to reduce the carbon emissions from commuting, while also promoting health lifestyles and fulfilling your company’s CSR commitments. A cycle-to-work scheme contributes to social value by supporting sustainable living, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting a healthier lifestyle for employees. These can be implemented casually, encouraging and rewarding workers who cycle in. If you wanted to take your commitment further, you could offer financial support to those who do not have bikes, and organise group cycles.
8. Set Up a Comprehensive Recycling System
Implementing an efficient recycling system in the workplace is a simple yet effective way to commit to environmental responsibility. Ensure that recycling bins are accessible and that materials are correctly sorted for collection. This small action can contribute significantly to your social value efforts by minimizing waste and encouraging sustainability.
9. Offer Fair Wages
Offering fair wages to your employees boosts local economies by increasing spending power. It could also have the domino effect of reducing poverty and enhancing productivity at work. It improves quality of life, supports social mobility, and sets a positive example for ethical business practices. In the end, this would drive economic growth and contribute to creating a more equitable society.
10. Invest in Local Economies
Support local economies by sourcing materials and services from local businesses. This approach reduces your environmental impact by shortening supply chains and generates additional social value by supporting regional growth. Investing in local suppliers shows clients that your business is committed to the wellbeing of the community and responsible business practices.
These 10 strategies are practical ways to enhance your business's CSR efforts, while creating real social value. At Rewise Learning, we believe in impacting the community in a lasting way. Our educational workshops, partnerships, and social value initiatives offer the kind of support that can change lives. Partnering with a CSR organisation such as Rewise Learning, or integrating these practices into your company independently will strengthen your social responsibility credentials while helping to build a sustainable future.
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