What is a CSR approach? Why adopt it? What actions to take? If you're asking yourself all of these questions, you've come to the right place!

Komeet tells you everything about this increasingly common practice in business.

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What are we talking about the social commitment of a company?

According to the European Commission, CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility is “the voluntary integration of the social and ecological concerns of companies into their commercial activities and their relationships with their stakeholders”.

To put it simply, a company's social commitment reflects its commitment to sustainable development. It refers to the various policies that it will integrate into its daily functioning. We explain to you.

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Responsible approach, responsible practices

A company has a social and environmental responsibility. A CSR approach therefore consists in fully investing in the well-being of society and the planet. However, without giving up on its economic growth!

Still not telling you anything? However, some practices are already familiar to you. Among other examples, we can cite:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions : waste collection and sorting, soft transport;
• Improving the quality of its products ;
• Improving the Quality of Life at Work or QWL: schedule adjustment or teleworking for a better balance between work and personal life;
• Social inclusion : recruitment of people with disabilities;
• Gender and intergenerational equality : equal pay and positions.

Let's not forget external actions... And why not with citizen or solidarity associations? Wouldn't social commitment ultimately be an ethical and responsible company?

Also see our article presenting 10 solidarity actions to engage employees in a CSR approach to give you inspiration!

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Social and environmental involvement at all levels of the company

Without them, the company could not exist: managers, employees, investors, investors, investors, suppliers, consumers or even local authorities, the various stakeholders, internal and external, are essential actors in the life of the company.

Social commitment is therefore also made for and with them: it takes into account their expectations and is carried out in close collaboration. It also becomes intrinsic to the company's strategy and values, reflected at all levels of its organization and governance.

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In short...

Undertaking a social responsibility approach ultimately means:

• Allow to increase the company's economy,
• While having a positive impact on society...
• ... and by preserving the environment
• Not to mention integrating the expectations and contribution of stakeholders into its approach!

Yes, social commitment is all of these at the same time!

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But why social commitment?

Rising waters, disappearance of species, health crisis, burn-out and depression... The world is not going round! The decisions we make or the actions we take are decisive.

Indeed, each of them has an impact on business, society and the environment. Taking action is therefore no longer an option, but a necessity. Why is social commitment also a real added value? Follow the guide!

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Is the CSR approach a 360 business strategy?

In a study on CSR conducted in 2016, France Stratgie notes a 13% performance gain for a company that has implemented a CSR approach. French people are increasingly concerned about their health, the environment and society.

Consumers, employees, suppliers... are all decisive players who must be satisfied at all costs! CSR is therefore both your employer brand and your brand image!

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Social and environmental contribution: employees want more!

Would social commitment promote the sense of belonging of employees to their company? Would it be a criterion for motivation, loyalty and performance, thus strengthening employee commitment? It would seem that yes.

97% of employees believe that businesses have a role to play in matters of general interest
IFOP survey - 2020

83% even “enjoy working” in companies committed to a CSR policy
Medef 2020 Barometer

A figure that falls to 64% in those that are not. In search of meaning, employees want more than ever to be committed to the world around them, even beyond the professional framework.

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A responsible initiative, an attractive brand image!

Faced with the loss of meaning at work, French people are more sensitive than ever to social and environmental issues... and that's changing the situation!

If social commitment makes it possible toimprove your employer brand, it also boosts your brand image. This is all the more true today, following the arrival of Millennials on the labor market and in the consumer world.

Even more concerned than their parents and grandparents, they will guide their choices according to your values and commitments.

78% of candidates would choose to join a company committed to the environmental cause
CSA Institute study

65% of them would turn to companies committed to sustainable development
Earned Brand Global Study‍

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Are we talking about the environment and society?

We now know it: we must preserve the planet. Reducing your carbon footprint is therefore now a necessity.

In addition, societal commitment is also a way of “living and doing together” favorable to the well-being of all. Participating in the defense of human rights, ensuring gender equality, improving the inclusion of people with disabilities or maintaining the quality of products and services are all opportunities to protect ourselves against social and societal risks.

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What forms of social commitment?

You are already doing it, and maybe not even knowing it! Some daily actions have now become natural: the recycling of waste, the reduction of paper consumption, new management methods to improve the Quality of Life at Work, etc.

But did you know that your employees can also contribute to social commitment?

In particular, there are two ways of acting by putting everyone's skills at the service of associations:

• Help: a one-time commitment that does not necessarily require expertise. For example: distributing meals with Les Restos du Coeur‍
• Donation of skills: either through working time (sponsorship), or through personal time (volunteering). For example: by sharing your computer skills, writing skills, accounting skills...

But it is also possible to consider:

• Financial donations ‍;
• Material donations ‍;
• Solidarity leave donations ‍;
• ‍ sponsorships;
• To lend a hand to launch donation or awareness campaigns, ‍ working groups or think tanks;
• Solidarity Team Building.

Read also: Finding the cause you care about: 10 inspiring ideas

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Social commitment: in concrete terms, how to act?

Various actions can be carried out as part of your company's social commitment. And this in many areas: everyone will find a cause to defend that is important to them!

For example, how about:

• Distributing meals to the most disadvantaged?
• Creating warm moments with isolated people over a cup of tea and a game?
• Welcoming people with disabilities into your company for a day of discovery?
• Participate in a Climate Fresco or an Immigration Fresco to learn and understand how to act?
• Think together about actions to protect the environment or develop local vegetable production?

Associations need you. You need meaning. Implementing a CSR approach is a great way to share, learn, grow and affirm your values.

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Get support in your social and environmental approach!

With social commitment, let's prepare the world of tomorrow! Every day, Komeet works to “make each company an actor in the service of the general interest”. The numerous associations committed to our side are waiting for you! And you, what action are you going to take?

Talk to a CSR expert

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