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How can you identify " best practices " in CSR?
When we talk about corporate sustainability, we may get the impression that there isn’t really a recognized or well-defined standard, unlike financial results, for example. But in fact, there are precise and accessible benchmarks for good CSR practices. Here’s an overview to help you find your way around.
Defining good CSR practices: the ISO 26000 standard
Defining good CSR practices: the ISO 26000 standard
Good CSR practices are not just a matter of guesswork: over 90 countries have worked together to draw up guidelines for companies concerned with preserving the environment and adopting socially responsible behavior. This is the ISO 26000 standard.
Thanks to these guidelines, companies know which best practices to follow, on all sustainable development topics: governance, human rights, labor relations, fair practices, consumers, community involvement and, of course, the environment.
Although ISO 26000 is a voluntary standard, i.e. it does not lead directly to certification, most CSR certifications are based on this standard, either directly, such as Eco Entreprise certification, or partially, such as B Corp certification.
CSR best practices refer to the best practices implemented by companies committed to sustainable development. They provide a benchmark against which to assess their actions in terms of environmental protection, the fight against social inequality and stakeholder involvement. The definition of good CSR practices is based on the implementation of an effective CSR policy, integrated into the company’s overall strategy. It takes into account the environmental, social and economic challenges of sustainable development, and aims to improve the company’s overall performance.
10 CSR best practices for your company
More and more companies are committed to CSR. This is largely due to the fact that customers, whether professionals or consumers, are increasingly aware of environmental and social issues, and tend to favor products and services from companies that work towards sustainable development. If you’d like to set up a CSR policy in your company, here are 10 essential best practices to apply and implement in your organization:
- Reduce your carbon footprint: the main impact is on your energy consumption (heating, lighting, but also data centers and IT equipment).
- Buy responsibly. This means stopping over-consumption of new products, in particular by giving preference to reconditioned equipment or extending the life of appliances by having them repaired.
- Reduce your waste by buying less or in bulk, and for waste you can’t avoid, recycle or revalue it.
- Switch to renewable energies. If you don’t have a building that can accommodate photovoltaic panels, simply change your contract with your electricity supplier.
- Invest in your employees “well-being. That’s what CSR is all about. Make sure you comply with labor laws and basic health and safety rules, invest in equipment that enhances your employees” comfort, or offer them the opportunity to telework for part of the week.
- Promote diversity in the workplace. This means equal pay for men and women, but also the employment of young people, seniors or people with different backgrounds and origins. What’s more, diversity in a team makes it more efficient and productive.
- Integrate sustainable development into the design of your products and services. Identify at every stage how you can reduce environmental impact, by using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption during use, providing for end-of-life repair or recycling,….
- Encourage dialogue and collaboration with your stakeholders. Whether they are customers, suppliers or employees, communicating with them ensures that everyone is aware of your CSR policy and involved in the process.
- Involve employees in CSR: set up information days, convivial breakfasts around a theme, challenge days… All this helps to raise awareness and integrate your employees into your CSR project.
- Measure progress and performance, because it’s essential to know where you stand in order to make decisions consistent with your CSR policy.
As you can see, there are lots of ways to promote a socially responsible corporate policy. It’s up to you today!
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