Gone are the days when rich old men sat counting their cold hard cash in the face of the misery of others. Corporate Social Responsibility has come to affect even the smallest business owners and entrepreneurs approach to being a boss.
Taking steps to increase your corporate social responsibility does not have to cost you those hard-earned profits, and can in fact serve to increase the margin between being in the red and the black.There are three main areas to consider when planning how your company will plan to take on the social responsibility moniker.
The Environment
You've been hearing these tips for the last fifteen years, so I'm just reminding you. If you don't do the following, it's really time to start considering making these changes. You will save money.
- Turn off computers at the end of the day, have someone check all your office have computers turned off when leaving on a Friday evening.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs, try to maximise natural light with daylight sensors and automatic blinds
- Turn off all lights, heating and air conditioning after hours. Use a programmable timer if you're the forgetful type.
- Think whether you really need to print that email? If your hands are tied then try to reuse the other side of the page. Recycle all the waste possible, it will save you money on waste disposable.
According to The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, socially responsible business owners make the world a better place whilst building their own business. Yay!
Elements of Corporate Responsibility
Employee Involvement - Your employees are people outside their job with you, whether they're expert French cooks or part-qualified gym instructors they have skills and opinions.
Community Involvement - Sponsoring a project in your local area, by volunteering time or donating money is a great way to see visible changes in real life.
Ethical Consumerism - Buy Fairtrade tea and coffee, so you can help all the other entrepreneurs right down to the guy responsible for waking you up with this morning's cappuccino.
Want to be a socially responsible and environmentally friendly entrepreneur?
Take a look at our Green Franchises page.