Examples of CSR during the coronavirus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHere are some points to consider as businesses try to deal with their own staff and their customer base, both of which are highly sensitive to even the smallest actions taken on behalf of a brand. The principles behind CSR can help to maintain social accountability to stakeholders and the broader community while ensuring the best possible business performance during this difficult time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s start with employees inside an organization. CSR is too often framed as being for consumers only but good social responsibility starts at home. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Businesses should first focus on the people they depend on most, their employees. The absolute top priority should be ensuring employee comfort and safety<\/strong>. Nothing else even comes close at a time when a dangerous health threat covers the globe. No doubt you\u2019ve seen the screens at store checkout counters and tape on the floor telling customers where to stand. This is, of course, the responsible thing to do for all of us under the circumstances but first and foremost it shows that employers are primarily concerned with creating a safe workspace with all the reasonable precautions that can be taken. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution (every role and workspace will have its own particular circumstances), give employees as much flexibility as possible<\/strong> to carry out their work tasks. For many, this has meant working remotely from home but not every job allows for such an arrangement. \u201cFlexibility\u201d here also extends to working hours as well. Child care and elder care has suddenly become a major issue for millions and forcing employees to choose between work and home responsibilities is not going to end well for anyone involved so focus on staff needs first. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also important to be aware that employee well-being extends to mental health<\/strong> as well. We can\u2019t deny that these are stressful times for any number of reasons associated with anxiety about the future and legitimate fears about the spread of the epidemic. The last thing employees need is additional job-related stress. Businesses need to acknowledge that different rules apply right now and part of that may necessarily involve a more relaxed approach to certain things that had no flexibility before. Be aware that staff are likely more concerned about their families than following certain workplace practices that may or may not be worth a confrontation if they are not followed as normal. There\u2019s nothing wrong with erring on the side of preserving a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone at work. We all have enough stress already, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is an extension of the previous point, but place a greater emphasis on listening to your staff<\/strong>. Just as listening to customer feedback is key under normal circumstances, keeping constant and open communication with employees is part of maintaining a relaxed atmosphere and a comfortable work space. Check in more often than you otherwise would and keep it conversational. Just knowing someone wants to know how they\u2019re doing can keep staff engaged and feeling connected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t