What is social responsibility?
A socially responsible company follows ethical and sustainable operating principles in its activities and respects human rights. From the perspective of social responsibility, it is also important to identify factors essential for a company, such as which negative effects must be mitigated and prevented, and which positive effects must be strengthened. However, it must be remembered that positive actions cannot cancel any negative effects.
Social responsibility, sustainability and corporate responsibility in a company
Social responsibility refers to the effect of business operations on various stakeholders from a social point of view.
A major asset for a company is its own personnel. Equal treatment of employees and diversity are also characteristics of a modern and socially responsible company. For example, it can mean that everyone is welcome to the working community as they are. Furthermore, a responsible company takes good care of occupational safety and invests in the wellbeing of its personnel.
A responsible company also ensures human rights in subcontracting chains. Responsibility can also refer to taking the surrounding communities and their environment into consideration in business activities. For example, a key stakeholder group are customers for which the company considers the accessibility of its services and facilities.
Benefits of social responsibility to companies
Social responsibility yields many benefits to a company. At their best, a company’s social responsibility measures have a positive influence on personnel and the surrounding community. In addition, a thriving staff is often more productive and motivated, which has a positive influence on the company’s business. A company’s responsibility work and success also affect the environment in a positive manner and help other companies, such as subcontractors and partners, succeed.
Social responsibility and its measures can improve the image of a company. This means that companies operating responsibly are also more attractive as partners and especially as employers, drawing partners and competent people to them more easily. The success of a company in the area of social responsibility can improve the wellbeing and commitment of employees, customer satisfaction and relationships with the company’s stakeholders. Social responsibility can also decrease the risks that the company is exposed to.
Social responsibility in one’s own company
Think about how social responsibility is implemented in your own company at the moment. Which themes have potential for strengthening positive effects, and what kinds of negative risks or effects should be managed?
To find out about the current situation, you can carry out a personnel or stakeholder survey in your company. It will give employees and partners the possibility to express their views and provide feedback on the company’s operations in general and in the area of social responsibility. The survey results help the company better identify key factors from a social responsibility perspective.
After the survey, it is a good idea to set social responsibility goals for your company and define measures to achieve them. The inclusion and commitment of personnel to goals and measures makes it more likely that you will succeed in the sub-area of social responsibility. It is a good idea to communicate goals and measures to partners and stakeholders.
