You may have noticed the growing relevance of a company’s brand. Aside from their field of work, what do they offer? How do they contribute to the world? This is particularly true for larger organisations, but it is not exclusive to them. In the digital era, branding and reputation are more important than ever for a company’s success.
One key component of this, which is not widely acknowledged, is CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility. This encompasses the ethical, financial, environmental, and philanthropic aspects of an organisation.
We have been fortunate to partner with many inspiring organisations over the years, from receiving donations to hosting volunteer groups. For charities across the world, these partnerships are more important than ever; CSR is just as relevant to us as it is to the companies involved.
The Role of CSR for Charities
There are many benefits of CSR for the organisation but notably for Non-Profit Organisations (NGOs). The two most pertinent aspects for charities are those of philanthropic and environmental. As these are the external aspects, a company assesses its contribution to supporting the public and natural world.
For UK charities like us, this type of work is becoming increasingly important. In the post-pandemic and cost of living era, the UK has seen a decline in individual charitable efforts: 5.2 million fewer people donated to charity in 2024. It’s understandable that in tougher times, this kind of spending takes a back seat. After the recent rise in bills across the board, from water to car tax, we don’t expect this trend to change.
This is the time where companies can make a real difference and partner with charities. Whilst individual donations are declining, there is still a public desire for socially responsible companies. Notably, Recharity found 71% of employees believe it’s ‘very important’ to be part of a company that donates and supports volunteering. At a time where less people are reaching to donate, it’s positive to see they still want to make a difference through their work. For this reason, CSR is vital to encourage companies to continue charitable work and encourage their employees to join in.
Company Culture: The Changing Landscape
Social accountability goes beyond a company’s philanthropic efforts; it also shapes public perception. Twenty years ago, this genre of branding was less of a priority for organisations. However, we now live in a time when a company’s image can affect sales and profits at the drop of a hat.
With CSR becoming a key aspect of corporate identity, more organisations are pledging to give back to society. Recharity found that 65% of Fortune 500 firms offer matching programmes for employee donations. This initiative is impactful, as it encourages more employees to donate, knowing their contributions will be doubled by their company.
Even more crucial is the relationship between employees and their organisation. The survey also revealed that over 50% of employees would choose a socially responsible company, even if it meant a lower salary. As a result, more businesses are allocating a percentage of their profits to charitable causes and encouraging their teams to volunteer. These findings highlight that, in today’s world, a job is more than just a paycheque: employees want to be part of a company that makes a real difference, not just one that meets its targets.
Employees aren’t the only ones interested in CSR goals. Consumers are now more aware of what a company is doing behind the scenes: 90% prefer socially responsible businesses. Overall, there are many reasons for a company to engage in CSR, and it’s not simply to help others: it’s a two-way relationship that benefits both parties.
Corporate Volunteering Matters!
That’s enough statistics for one person to digest at a time. Here at Globalteer, we are delighted to see the growing number of companies engaging with philanthropic projects. Not only is it important to give back, but it is equally vital to acknowledge that charities rely on generous donations and partnerships.
However, it’s not just donations that make a difference. Over the years, we have welcomed a variety of volunteer groups who have spent their time off giving back to communities at our projects. Our first corporate group, MSD from Singapore, spent two weeks in 2017 at our Clean Water Project and Helping Hands School in Cambodia. The overriding sentiment from the group was a shift in perspective, both in their personal and professional lives. I have no doubt that building water filters in the hot, humid countryside is also a powerful way to strengthen team relationships.
We have since had other groups from companies such as Salesforce, Amigo loans and Cisco. We are excited to welcome more groups next year, including a previous partner, CISCO, visiting Peru. If you are interested in getting involved, don’t hesitate to explore our projects in Latin America and Southeast Asia. There is truly something for everyone, from conservation and environmental work to teaching and animal welfare. Now is the perfect time to take a career break with the support of your company and make a difference!