5 Tips on Creating Corporate Social Responsibility Training Strategies

Effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) requires support from all parts of a corporation. Only by working together and being transparent a company can achieve genuine change and improvement. However, corporate responsibility may be different for every company as each organization is unique and has individual goals. Therefore, it is important to understand the policies to provide and apply the necessary strategies for a successful implementation.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility may be defined in the aspect of environmental, social, and economic performance of the company and its impact on internal and external stakeholders. As the demand for greater corporate responsibility rises, new ways for companies to respond are opening up.  Companies are expected to be transparent, to communicate, and actively involve themselves in making the world a better place.  Companies are now required use a strategic CSR approach that aligns with the business, marketing, branding, research and development strategies. Factors such as innovation, talent management and operations are crucial for a successful strategy.  But how can a corporation create CSR training strategies that will build the foundation for all these areas to be covered?

Digital Tools

Thanks to the digital transformation, our resources have increased immensely. Not only is a wider range of training opportunities possible through 24/7 access, now, personalizing the training has become equally facilitated. Corporations can create online platforms, hold online training and webinars as well as provide explainer videos and landing pages to facilitate the transparency of CSR. As mediums and resources are constantly growing, corporations are encouraged to make use of them.

Crowdsourcing

Weber Shandwick conducted research on drivers for an effective CSR strategy. Results show that crowdsourcing as a valuable asset. How will that help your CSR training? It all comes down to immediate and direct dialogue with target groups and key audiences. And while in many regards this refers to your customers, more importantly you need this to refer to your workforce. Make sure they understand CSR goals, your strategies and the impact. Involve them in decision making and show appreciation of input through open communication. Using explainer videos for crowdfunding and crowdsourcing is a great option.

Enlisting Customers & Workforce

Take this to the next level by giving your workforce as well as your customers a say in what projects you will support & what your company stands for. The training should then be planned accordingly. Your training can only be effective if your company resembles the same interest inside that you are trying to show to the outside. Let all parties know that you stand behind your words and emphasize on an approach from the heart.

Evaluate and Relate

Now let’s get more into the strategic planning. Evaluation is key. This means that before you get everyone else involved, you need to start creating imagery and lay out a rough design of what is important to you and where you want to go. Relate your CSR message and strategy to the culture and personality of your company. Input from your external audience and workforce can also serve as inspiration and guidance here. Use evaluation sheets and surveys to dig deeper.

Be Open to Change

Last but not least, remember: nothing lasts forever. While you should most certainly show a steady and concrete plan and image, you must constantly evaluate the resources you are using for your training. By staying up to date you not only show innovation, adaptability and open-mindedness, you also encourage your workforce to stay interested and reassure that they participate in workshops and remain educated about your CSR strategies.