Every day we face the reality that the world needs our help, from poverty, climate change, ecological collapse to discrimination and inequalities. None of us can change the world alone, but our small actions can inspire others to follow our way and positively impact our society and the planet.
Making a social impact is no longer reserved for volunteers and nonprofit organizations only. People became more aware of the environmental and social issues globally, so they started taking action to help the environment and those in need.
All companies should know relevant information that affects our society. They should always be aware of what’s going on around them, which would give perspective on what is essential and how to become a part of the solution.
Another way to be socially aware is to be part of society, literally. Businesses should be active and participate in different volunteering events, community gatherings, charity organizations. In one sentence, you need to know the challenges and opportunities and share ideas and opinions so you can make a difference.
Whether big or small, companies should pay attention to what kind of products they are using, educate their employees on the best eco-friendly practices, and buy sustainable products that stay behind the idea of ‘consume less.’ They should try to reduce energy and water consumption as much as they can and of course, recycle the waste.
It is common for many big corporations to be socially responsible and get involved in society, but that is not the case with small businesses. Of course, they have lower budgets and incomes, a much smaller number of employees, and lower profits, so they cannot always participate in this kind of initiative. But the good news is that being socially responsible does not always mean money involved. It could be purely human effort and will to make a difference! You may wonder how they could do it? Here are a few examples:
Recycling is accessible and available for every workplace. It helps keep the streets clean, reduces the quantity of waste sent to landfills sites, prevents pollution, saves energy are just a few things from the list. 80 to 90 percent of solid waste generated in the workplace can be recycled. This is a fact that can’t be ignored. How can a business recycle efficiently? First, the employees should be educated on how and what can be recycled. Also, they should have easy access to recycling containers and can use reusable shopping totes.
A great way for a business to fulfill its social responsibility is by starting a fundraiser. The right fundraising event idea can help a company do a good deed and make a significant difference in society. Whether a person or animal shelter needs help, it could do a lot if everyone cheap in a little. BREON has already been a part of many charity events, so we could help you with charity ideas. For example, we were part of an organization called RetvitniObrok, which gathers every Friday to cook for those in need. Also depending on your line of work, you can provide organizations and donate your products or offer them at a reduced price.
Another thing businesses can do is to become a part of some community service activities. You could help clean up a public area or a local park, volunteer at the Red Cross, organize a community blood drive, help build a new walking path at a park, plant trees. These are just a few ideas that can become your annual event, a day when you will donate your time instead of money.
Your company can donate to prevent dangerous activities by supporting organizations that promote safe behaviors. There are many support groups for the prevention of drug use, alcohol, and other hazardous activities. You can help by offering them your free space in a storehouse or conference room where they can organize their meet-ups or donate funds to their organizations. Any kind of support helps. This way, your company will show that you want to make a difference in the community and make it a better place for everyone to live in.
Most small businesses are embracing social responsibility because of their moral beliefs, which is great! But this can also bring several benefits for the company and its employees.
It is an excellent way to promote the company and raise brand awareness. If your company contributes to a cause that helps society won’t be unnoticed by the public eye and will certainly improve the business’s reputation.
Also, it could help increase your company’s sales and thus your profit. Customers that are socially aware are most likely to purchase a product or use a service from a company that is a part of such initiatives. This brings you way ahead of your competitors.
When a company makes good profits and does good deeds that help society, the employees are happier in their job positions and contribute much more to the company. It is also a great way for team-building activities, where the employees can connect with each other, learn more about each other and at the same time make a difference that counts.
These kinds of initiatives are more than just creating a good brand image; it’s a way to contribute to society and the environment and invest in a better life for everyone. We in BREON are on a mission to participate any way we can and make a significant positive change in someone’s life. There are many more benefits from participating in society which leads us a step closer to our goal of changing the world for the better. This also creates an opportunity to meet new people, help out and get your team together outside the office! No matter what your mission is, there are many options for you and your team to take part in a social event that will make a difference for all.
References:
https://socialgoodconnect.org/small-business-csr-cost/
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/ways-small-business-show-social-responsibility-60082.html
