The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves adding social events to our calendar and trying to find the perfect gift for those on our list. But for businesses, it is also the time where we should be focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility and giving back to our community. Here’s why adding such activities to your corporate calendar during the holiday season are beneficial:

Employee engagement
Getting together as a team, outside of your regular workday, and coming together for a purpose can help employees feel a sense of pride and connection to their organization and colleagues. When employees are actively engaged, they are often happier and more productive.
Attract talent
In today’s competitive recruitment landscape, candidates are often looking at more than just the job description when considering a new opportunity. Candidates are also considering how an organization gives back to the community and how their values align with them on a personal level. Showcasing how your organization cares can help set you apart.
Retain talent
When employees feel aligned with company values and engaged in their workplace, they are more likely to stay at the organization. This is backed by a Deloitte study finding employees likely to remain the longest are those that share their organization’s values and are more satisfied with its sense of purpose.
Brand awareness
Being involved in the community can help you reach potential customers/clients you may not typically interact with. Corporate Social Responsibility efforts can strengthen your brand reputation and attract those who align with your values.
Giving back to others feels good and leaves an impact
Giving back is good for your team’s mental and physical health, quite simply, it feels good to give back to others. The organization’s impact can extend beyond the holiday season and spark a chain reaction, inspiring others to give back as well.
Lastly, it is a way to spread holiday cheer during a time that can be stressful for many

Looking for ways to get involved? There are many ways, but here are just a few activities to consider in Windsor-Essex:

Donating a meal to those in need at the Downtown Mission
Sponsoring a Family for the Holidays with the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation
Volunteer with the Salvation Army as a Kettle Bell Ringer or at the local food bank
Volunteer at a local event such as Bright Lights Windsor
Volunteer your time to cook a meal or bake some treats at the Ronald McDonald House
Volunteer to clear snow with Snow Angels at The Town of Tecumseh
Volunteer to wrap gifts at the Devonshire Mall booth in support of Community Living Essex County

Sources:
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/About-Deloitte/gx-millenial-survey-2016-exec-summary.pdf
https://downtownmission.com/
https://www.wecaf.on.ca/sponsor-a-family/
https://salvationarmy.ca/volunteer/ways-to-volunteer/#1619440021368-121aab89-56df
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/recreation/special-events/bright-lights-windsor/volunteers
https://www.rmhc-swo.ca/how-to-help/volunteer/dinner-group-volunteering-windsor
https://www.tecumseh.ca/live-work-and-explore/roads-and-sidewalks/snow-removal/snow-and-leaf-angels/
https://www.communitylivingessex.org/events/holiday-gift-wrapping-booth/

Written By: Alex Olivastri
Note: This article is written as an opinion piece from the perspective of a Recruitment Specialist