Consumers have limited dollars, and when given a choice, they may choose to spend them on companies that are made up of good citizens and who are socially responsible. Corporate and small business social responsibility extends into many different areas of economics and society. The following are four areas that your business needs to consider.
Human Rights
Consumers care about where products are made. They also care about the people who make them. Human rights is one of the main core areas of social responsibility that all businesses should consider when sourcing and producing their goods. An associated area of consideration is fair labor practices, including the avoidance of child labor or slave labor conditions.
Energy Consumption and the Environment
Energy consumption is a major concern now, and it will be even more important in the future. The use of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, and scientific experts have predicted dire consequences if people do not act now and act in a big way.
While there are plenty of purely profit-motivated reasons to switch to solar, making this switch for purely environmental reasons is still a wise choice. Your business could lead the way in the community and inspire others to follow your environmentally friendly and socially responsible example.
Disaster Relief
Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. Tornadoes in the Midwest, forest fires in the West, floods in the South and ice storms in the Northeast take their toll on individuals and business owners. It is a socially responsible action to contribute to disaster relief programs and fiscally wise organizations.
Businesses might consider sending their experts, such as electricians for power restoration, to the disaster area. They could also send helpful products, such as hand sanitizer or baby diapers, to stricken areas. Consumers feel good about buying from companies that make a difference with these types of actions.
Work-Life Balance
Today’s workers want to balance work with their personal lives. Parents want to spend time with their kids, and couples want time to take vacations and relax together. Businesses can implement policies such as condensed work weeks with four 10-hour days.
Being a good corporate citizen takes extra work, but it’s worth it in the long run. These efforts are worthwhile when considering the positive attention and improved reputation they deliver. Consumers are more likely to do business with a responsible company.