What does CSR have to do with happy employees? Here is why focusing on the individual and creating happy employees is important – and why it should matter to any business who wants to succeed.
The team at BHI Mexico celebrating Good Deeds Day
It’s no secret that corporate social responsibility, or CSR, has become a ‘good business’ buzzword. In a consumer driven society, humans are choosing to connect and stay loyal to the brands who operate ecologically, sustainably and responsibly. Numerous studies show that companies who maintain a level of CSR keep a more loyal fan base, save money, and the bottom line every business may look for is to see an increase in profits.
While many CSR studies focus on its benefits for the environment, another major responsibility is to create a positive office culture for your internal office environment.
McKinsey and Company cleanup during Good Deeds Day
A study on employee perceptions about CSR found that “the higher an employee rates their organization’s corporate citizenship, the more committed they are to the organization.”
So we know it’s valuable to have happy employees. This may seem overwhelming; happiness means so many different things to different people, however, in terms of work, it’s simple to layout the definition of a happy employee.
Feels a sense of belonging
In many happiness studies, the key player found was feeling like one is part of a community. The trick is how to create a sense of community, while at the same time empowering the individual to focus on their role and to develop their strengths within the company.
Volunteers from Peerapp in Russia show love to the shelter dogs
Feels appreciated
About 52.3 percent of employees are not satisfied at work, and one of the main reasons is that they don’t feel valued. Work is much more than a paycheck to most; it’s an opportunity to utilize their skills for a specific goal.
By creating a sense of appreciation and acknowledging the people who are helping to build and sustain your business vision on the daily, you can create a greater sense of happiness, and appreciation in return.
Open office communication
More questions asked means more questions answered, and more knowledge sharing between departments and people. This is yet another example of how that volunteer program can create happier employees.
Gilat Thailand gives back to their local community by collecting food
Experiences sense of purpose
The happiest humans and employees feel engaged in life and are aware of a greater sense of purpose.
In a recent survey conducted by Forbes, they found that while 92 percent of employees put financial security as a number one priority, 35 percent said they would take a pay cut to work for a company committed to CSR. Moreover, 45 percent said they would take a pay cut for a job that makes social or environmental impact, and 58 percent said they would take a pay cut to work for an organization with values like their own.
Boston IAC volunteers in their local community
By creating a balanced blend of personal and professional development for your employees, you are helping them fulfill the elusive dream of work life balance, which fills a need for your team. Offering these opportunities creates the ‘full package’ which allows your employees to feel fulfilled, stable, and loyal and happy to work for a company.
When an office environment provides both sides of the coin, such as hosting a volunteer program or showing internal appreciation, there are large advantages in how happy and productive your employees will be, and the end result for your business will be better productivity, happy customers, and increased profits.
In addition, your employees may feel more pride. An article in Insights noted that “knowing about the “good deeds” of an organization might make an employee more eager to discuss their company with outsiders, as well as feeling more committed to their organization which is doing these good things.”
If we look at the employee-employer relationship, it’s almost comparable to finding a life partner. Some days, it will be a love/hate relationship, but at the end of the day, you both just want to make each other happy.
Leave A Comment