CSR and business: a pervasive issue in society

Adopting a CSR approach in companies is becoming a necessity. Faced with the evolution of the stakes to be part of a more respectful approach to the environment… Companies are rethinking their strategy and operation. For several years now, experts have been sounding the alarm, indicating that the situation of the planet is deteriorating. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the issues of well-being at work and respect for the environment are at the heart of companies’ concerns.

Getting involved in a CSR approach, a necessity in 2022

CSR issues are no longer just reserved for companies that care about their impact on the environment. Since the pandemic, everything has changed. Companies have become aware of their energy expenses, and the difference caused by the implementation of teleworking, more local consumption.

This awareness has changed the desires and objectives of companies that are now looking to turn more broadly towards a CSR approach. The latter is as good for the company as it is for the well-being of employees… But also for the impact it has on customers. The latter are more sensitive to environmental issues, and are more attentive to what they consume.

Also, if they were to hesitate between an equivalent product offered by two companies… The company’s CSR approach would make the difference. A few years ago, customers used digital to compare rates… Today, it is the commitments and values of companies that are compared. Proof of the evolution of mentalities.

CSR, fighting against environmental degradation

Industrialization and the multiplication of activities on the globe are leading to significant global warming… And above all irreversible. Also, in order to fight against this disaster, the measures are important and make it possible to be part of a sustainable approach. The CSR approach is then essential to be part of the management of the company of tomorrow.

Companies such as Make.org, Vendredi, B-Lab, France Digitale, 1% for the Planet have carried out a study on CSR following a consortium. The aim is to identify CSR trends within companies (1). Thus the study shows that CSR is gaining importance within the latter however there is a significant lack of resources and tools.

Indeed, if the CSR policy is part of 65% of the COMEX, one in three companies does not have a budget dedicated to the proper application of this policy.

In addition, 73% of companies still struggle to set clear targets to measure their actions. The CSR policy affects companies of all sizes ranging from large groups to VSEs. Among the reasons for implementing a CSR policy, the main priority is environmental.

On the side of internal social issues, they remain unequally represented. The majority of companies (84%) are committed to gender equality. Following, 78% of them take psychosocial risks into account and 72% commit to disability.

CSR approach, a vector of opportunities

Adopting a CSR approach within companies becomes more than advisable. Since the signing of the Paris Agreements in 2015, every effort has been made to limit the global warming. Indeed, the signatories of this agreement undertook to limit this warming to 2°C compared to the pre-industrial period. However, it is difficult to deny that the situation is fragile, given that a rise in temperatures of the order of 1.5°C is already having serious consequences for the environment.

The issue of CSR in French companies is not very recent. Indeed, many are looking for sustainable solutions in the implementation of their activity or strategy. Far from being a constraint, being part of a CSR approach is rather an opportunity for companies. It takes time, but brings new fields of possibilities. Especially since for consumers and customers, turning to a responsible company is a plus. The environmental issue is paramount in today’s society, faced with central issues.

For companies, not adopting a CSR approach or at least, a more “green” operating strategy is more penalizing than anything else. Indeed, all the partners who support companies in their development are asking for measures and commitments in favour of the environment (2) . Same scheme for investors, who must justify their investments with the “share of green” included in the investment. Banks are much more observant, systematically inquiring about the CSR data of the companies supported.

Companies are thus more widely evaluated on green criteria. Thus, activity and sustainability in terms of the environment, social and societal criteria becomes a central element for companies.

World Earth Planet Green Health
Companies are turning to a CSR approach to protect the planet.

Digitalization, a precious help for companies

The digitalization of companies has changed many things in their operation. Since the deployment of this technology in companies, this has caused real revolutions. Some activities are much faster to carry out, and allow business leaders to focus on their core business. This applies in particular to all administrative tasks, long and time-consuming tasks.

As part of the CSR procedures, some companies must also make a declaration of extra-financial performance. It is mandatory for all companies with more than 500 employees in France and Europe. By 2023, this obligation will apply to all companies with more than 250 employees (3). It highlights the social and environmental issues related to the company’s activity… As well as the policies put in place to manage these risks.

Digital allows companies that need to carry out such reporting to do so in a shorter time than without this technology. In addition, digital technology makes it possible to support companies in the deployment of their CSR approach on a daily basis. Indeed, it greatly facilitates the transformation of the economy towards sustainable development… Meeting the expectations of consumers, society in general.

In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and in Bordeaux, initiatives to support the transformation of companies towards CSR operation are multiplying. Some directories inform the most virtuous companies, according to their sector of activity. Other initiatives such as Resonance support companies in their CSR development. Resonance, Social Responsibility in Nouvelle-Aquitaine supports, advises and consolidates the CSR approach of local companies.

Take charge of your activity, turn to actions that are more respectful of the environment… This makes it possible to position oneself in the society of tomorrow, more attentive than ever to environmental issues.

Sources:

(1) Society demands more green and social… and CSR is becoming more pressing among business leaders. Shuttle press release published on September 2, 2021

(2) RESONANCE: CSR in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

(3) Open Source CSR Barometer 2021

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