Last week I was asked by a client how important did I think Corporate Social Responsibility was in Australian Businesses today? Well, in my humble opinion, it is extremely important for any business to move forward.
At Optimum Consulting, we recently learnt a very valuable lesson, as we have not previously broadcast our CSR and this, sadly, cost us a tender as they could not find what we do or support. It is a very fine line to promote what your CSR is without sounding like you’re bragging.
Over the last 5 years Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of business strategies worldwide, and Australian businesses are no exception. As companies increasingly acknowledge their role in contributing to society beyond their profits, CSR initiatives are gaining momentum.
I think the first step for a business is to understand what Corporate Social Responsibility is and how it can make a positive impact, not just for them but society as a whole.
In a “nutshell” CSR refers to the “ethical framework in which a business operates in with a focus on their impact on society, the environment, and the economy”.
Companies that actively engage in CSR initiatives often enjoy a better reputation. In Australia, where consumers are becoming more conscious of corporate ethics, businesses that prioritise their CSR can gain greater brand loyalty and trust.
A study by the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ACCSR) found that 84% of consumers believe companies should balance their profit-making activities with social and environmental responsibilities.
In today’s society employees, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are regularly seeking employers whose values align with their own. Companies with strong CSR agendas can attract and retain top talent by offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond financial incentives.
At Optimum Consulting, we are proud supporters of many different Charities and have helped contribute both financially and with our time over the last 20 years.
So how do you ensure your business has a Corporate Social Responsibility?
You need to look at 3 areas:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Ethical Supply Chain Management and
- Community Engagement and Development
Yes, the big players are all over this but so are some of Australians smaller SME’s who are adopting these practices with huge success.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmentally, you can look at Rio who have implemented comprehensive sustainability programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity.
In Australia, because many of their operations are situated on the coast, they invest in marine research to address potential impacts.
Ethical Supply Chain Management
It was also not so long ago that Ethical Supply Chain was a hot topic with the large retailers. Since then, local Australian companies like Lorna Jane have implemented policies to ensure fair labour practices and sustainability across their brand. By doing so, they address the growing consumer demand for ethically produced goods.
Community Engagement and Development
Finally, Community Engagement and Development. This has been noticed more than all the others with the large Australian businesses stepping forward like Coles who have partnered with Foodbank for over two decades to support charities which are feeding people in need throughout Australia.
Foodbank collects non-perishable food from Coles’ distribution centres and redistributes it to over 2,500 agencies and community groups.
Optimum Consulting
Here, at Optimum Consulting, we have supported Camp Quality for 10+ years – an organisation that was founded to support kids and families facing cancer with fun experiences, trusted information, specialised care, coping tools and a supportive community.
More recently we have been involved in the Cambodian Children’s Fund who have help some of the most impoverished kids in the world meet their basic needs and education.
Personally, I feel that every individual and company should support in some way, shape, or form a Social Responsibility initiative. It can be so rewarding and is now part of a modern business strategy.
Here at Optimum Consulting, along with our staff, we have been involved in many community engagements over the years, we have been and are still proud supporters of the amazing organisations below:
- Camp Quality: www.campquality.org.au
- YMCA Australia: https://ymca.ph/
- Rotary Australia
- RSPCA Australia: www.rspca.org.au
- Cancer Council Queensland: www.cancerqld.org.au
- Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
- Cambodian Children’s Fund: www.cambodianchildrensfund.org
- Movember: www.movember.com
- QCoal Foundation: www.qcoalfoundation.org
Feel free to visit their website to learn more about their initiatives, how you can get involved, and their impact on the community.
ALICIA SUMICH
Group Manager – Business Development
Alicia is a seasoned Recruitment Consultant with over 15 years’ experience in the Brisbane market. Having dealt with a diversified range of clients she has expertise in helping employers build “best in class” talent acquisition and talent management capabilities to attract, engage and retain high performing staff.
As a founding member of Optimum; Alicia truly believes in the Optimum Philosophy “we believe in the inherent goodness of people and that good people make GREAT organisations”. She brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and passion to the business, combined with local knowledge which ensures clients receive the very best service on offer.
