The past few days I have been in Baltimore contributing to "Think Big Baltimore" which is a great event geared toward empowering and connecting entrepreneurs. I have been honored to speak about our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program called HALO Alliance (www.haloalliance.org).
Usually CSR pertains to what a corporation is doing to make a positive social impact. This includes examples such as a recycling program, being consious of the impact they have on communities by manufacturing a product, employee volunteer programs, and how they give back in their communities.
HALO's CSR program is unique because it is a seamless way for a small business to partner with us. Most CSR programs are developed for large corporations and can be very complex, taking multiple resources from the company to develop. Through HALO Alliance, small businesses select from a menu of customizable options for their company to receive return on their $125 monthly investment to meet a specific need.
By making CSR a part of company values and brining it to the forefront of daily culture, the identity of the entire workplace can shift. Employees and clients look at a photo of the supported program instead of that piece of cheap framed print that has been collecting dust for years. They can receive a monthly update on how the children are doing via email. They are given the opportunity to volunteer at the partner organization and they look forward to a Holiday Party where they bring an item of clothing to donate. When they visit the company website, they are happy to see the "Proud to be a HALO Alliance member, supporting x need." logo and link. And best of all, the program is being supported, a need is being met.
I can't say how many times new volunteers come to the office talking about how much they hate their job and how they just want to make a difference. We ask the volunteer about their passions and give them a platform to truly use their skills to give back, which is a win-win. Its how we stay tight and nimble.
But it can be a win-win-win. We can help the business with employees who "hate their job so much". If their company were to give back, invest in the future of children in need (in HALO's case) and share that with their employees - making it part of their day to day life - would it make a difference in how they view their job? If their employer was giving them true opportunities to get involved and updating them on the impact that is being made, would it shift their paradigm?
Click here to read stats on CSR.
Large corporations have caught on to this and are hiring CSR Directors, sometimes full CSR departments, to be their moral compass. Small businesses can't afford to do that...but they can afford HALO Alliance, which is why we developed the concept.
People are more concerned than ever, especially people in their 20's and 30's. They are concerned about recycling, the environment, and social change, among other issues. (Plus, being concerned is cooler than ever). If companies don't get on board with some sort of CSR, they are going to miss opportunities to keep employees happy and engage their clients in their company values (which include making a positive social impact). They may be left behind. The non-profit world is shifting. WIthout innovation, true partnerships, sustainability and social enterprise, we will be left behind.
No comments:
Post a Comment