{"id":14480,"date":"2022-07-27T14:34:19","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T12:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signature-com.com\/implementing-a-csr-approach-why-and-how\/"},"modified":"2024-08-01T15:55:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:55:52","slug":"implementing-a-csr-approach-why-and-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signature-com.com\/en\/implementing-a-csr-approach-why-and-how\/","title":{"rendered":"Implementing a CSR Approach: Why and How ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Everyone’s talking about CSR, but what’s really behind this acronym that has become a “buzzword”<\/em> in the corporate world? Definition, benefits, key stages… We\u2019ll tell you everything you need to know about this key strategic notion. <\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n

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CSR : A DEFINITION<\/b><\/h2>\n\n

CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

This means<\/span> companies taking into account sustainable development issues in social, economic, and environmental matters. In practice, it involves implementing actions and decisions that<\/span>.\nConcr\u00e8tement, c\u2019est quand ces derni\u00e8res travaillent \u00e0 la mise en \u0153uvre d\u2019actions et de d\u00e9cisions qui impactent <\/span> positively impact society<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\u274c CSR<\/span> is not limited to the ecological aspect<\/span>.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n

\"fields-of-application-for-CSR\"<\/figure>\n\n

OPPORTUNITY OR OBLIGATION ?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n

Currently, no law mandates the implementation of a CSR strategy for companies. However, facing contemporary challenges, regulations are becoming increasingly strict, and the rules of the game are evolving rapidly. In this context, <\/span> CSR can be seen as a constraint,<\/span> as it requires self-reflection and additional adaptability. Often, new state-imposed obligations<\/span> or more demanding clients trigger this consideration.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n

Nonetheless, it would be a mistake to be confined to this mindset, as CSR offers significant benefits in terms of competitiveness, reputation, attractiveness, and engagement. Its positive effects outweigh short-term costs and benefit everyone involved. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

As a continuous improvement process,<\/span> CSR is not a smooth journey but a challenging and enriching path, as testified by various participants during our ICI* meeting<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

KEY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT CSR<\/b><\/h2>\n\n

Here<\/span> are 4 tips to frame and establish your CSR strategy<\/b> \u2935\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n\n

#1 \u2013 Conduct a Diagnosis and Define a Roadmap <\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n

Establishing a sustainable CSR approach does not happen spontaneously. To facilitate this first step, rely <\/span>on existing frameworks<\/span> (like B Corp<\/span><\/a>, ISO 26000, UN\u2019s 17 SDGs).<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"UN's
UN’s 17 SDGs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

In addition,<\/span> self-assessment polls and scoring systems<\/span> will help measure your<\/span> maturity level<\/span> in various areas covered by CSR<\/span> <\/p>\n\n

Take your time as this diagnosis is crucial : it will help you define a<\/span> progress plan <\/span>built on realistic objectives<\/span> and initiate<\/span> the movem<\/span>ent<\/span> <\/p>\n\n

#2 \u2013 Structure the Approach by Defining a Governance Model<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n

This involves appointing<\/span> a person in charge of the CSR policy within the company.<\/span> It could be a full-time CSR manager or an employee whose original position had nothing to do with the subject. This referent is a key element of the CSR strategy. Beyond managing the approach, they <\/span> bring together stakeholders<\/span> and<\/span> act as the main contact<\/span> person<\/span><\/p>\n\n

*It is also possible to appoint multiple CSR managers. Some organisations even establish ambassador systems on a voluntary basis to promote the topics widely. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

#3 \u2013 Involve Employees at Every Step of the Process<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n

Without their buy-in, the necessary investment in the CSR project will not be achieved! <\/span>First step: formalise your commitment<\/span> through a charter, a note, or a manifesto. This document (distributed internally) sets the framework and gives clear direction with complete transparency. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

Once informed, your teams should be able to engage with the topic.<\/span> It\u2019s up to you to create or open the appropriate channels:<\/span> intranet, newsletter, forum, monthly meetings initiated by the CSR managers, training sessions, etc. These tools allow employees to ask questions and to propose concrete initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

#4 \u2013 Communicate Regularly on the Company\u2019s Progress Using Monitoring Indicators<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n

External<\/span> communication should not be neglected :<\/span> given the efforts and resources invested in the approach, it\u2019s important to highlight the successes achieved to your clients, partners, and prospects\u2026 without overlooking areas for improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

The CSR report or the Declaration of Extra-Financial Performance (DPEF) are two reporting tools from which you can build \u2018accessible\u2019 and<\/span> public-focused communications:<\/span> corporate videos, social media, blog articles\u2026 Here are some examples of successful external communication campaigns!<\/span><\/p>\n\n