10 Unique Approaches to Incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility in Small Businesses
To explore unique ways to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into small businesses, we asked CEOs and founders for their winning approaches. From empowering employee-led initiatives to supporting your team’s charity choices, here are the top ten approaches these leaders shared based on their experiences.
- Empower Employee-Led Initiatives
- Incorporate Volunteer Opportunities
- Embed CSR in Core Products
- Launch a “Tech-for-Good” Program
- Adopt Sustainable Practices
- Implement Community-Focused Initiatives
- Promote Racial Justice Actions
- Adopt a “Buy-One, Give-One” Model
- Use a Triple-Bottom-Line Strategy
- Support Your Team’s Charity Choices
Empower Employee-Led Initiatives
Leaders can empower their workers to develop and manage social responsibility programs that are consistent with the company’s values. This method not only develops a sense of team ownership but also guarantees that CSR initiatives are relevant and effective. For example, a small corporation can form a committee to propose and vote on community-service initiatives, allowing employees to actively contribute to issues close to their hearts.
Rebecca Xing
CEO, Trustana
Incorporate Volunteer Opportunities
One unique approach could be incorporating volunteer opportunities directly into employee benefits. At RecurPost, we’ve implemented a program that offers paid time off for employees to engage in community service and philanthropic activities.
For example, our employees have participated in local environmental clean-ups and educational workshops, which have strengthened their interpersonal relationships and enhanced our company culture. From my experience, this approach has been immensely beneficial. It has boosted employee morale, fostered teamwork, and aligned our business values with meaningful social contributions.
This strategy also helps small businesses demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, which can be a significant differentiator in attracting and retaining talent in today’s values-driven marketplace.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Embed CSR in Core Products
One unique approach to integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into small businesses is by embedding it directly into the company’s core products or services. We implemented this by launching a “buy one, give one” initiative, where for every product sold, we donated a similar item to a charitable cause. This approach not only aligned with our brand values but also resonated deeply with our customers.
I remember a time when we partnered with a local nonprofit to provide educational materials to underprivileged children. The campaign was simple: for every item purchased, a portion of the proceeds funded books and supplies. Not only did this initiative provide a tangible social impact, but it also created a compelling narrative that we shared across our marketing channels. The customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we saw an increase in brand loyalty and engagement.
This approach stands out because it turns everyday business activities into opportunities for positive change, making CSR a natural part of the business model rather than an afterthought. It also empowers customers to participate in meaningful causes through their purchases, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. By integrating CSR into our products, we not only contributed to a social cause but also strengthened our brand’s identity and customer relationships.
Rodney Steele
CEO, Dinsmore Steele
Launch a “Tech-for-Good” Program
One unique approach we’ve taken to embrace corporate social responsibility is through our “Tech-for-Good” program. We donate refurbished laptops and provide IT support for local schools, particularly in underprivileged areas. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see students getting excited about technology and learning new skills. To me, this embodies exactly what it means to leverage our business for the benefit of our community.
Abid Salahi
Co-Founder & CEO, FinlyWealth
Adopt Sustainable Practices
At our dental clinic, we’ve integrated sustainable practices by using eco-friendly dental supplies and reducing waste through digital records instead of paper. This shift not only lessens our environmental impact but also attracts eco-conscious patients who appreciate our commitment to sustainability.
María Eugenia Sørensen
Founder, Clínica Dental Sørensen Mataró
Implement Community-Focused Initiatives
One approach we use to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into small businesses is by implementing a community-focused initiative that directly involves the team. In my experience as an HVAC service director, we launched a “Reiner Gives Back” program. This initiative provides free or heavily discounted HVAC services to local community centers.
In January 2019, we had 54 apartments in Mahwah at Ramapo Brae Lane and 12 in Ramsey at 800-900 DeSimone Court, our family public-housing complexes, had their boilers replaced with a new efficient system. The new instant water heater eliminated the need for a water tank and resulted in the residents gaining a storage closet. The work was fully funded by Bergen County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and completed by us.
Employees are only asked to volunteer for Reiner Gives Back, encouraging a sense of pride and teamwork. This helps those in need and also strengthens our company’s connection to the community. It improves employee morale and loyalty, as they feel they are contributing to something greater than just their daily tasks.
By actively participating in community service, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and build a positive reputation for our business. This initiative has significantly boosted our team’s spirit and our company’s standing within the community.
Andrew Hulsebos
Service Director, Reiner Group Inc.
Promote Racial Justice Actions
Corporate responsibility revolves around justice. Whether it be environmental, social, or racial justice, to carry out justice is more than talk but is in action. Racial justice has been around for a long time, yet we still haven’t achieved racial justice. Business leaders can approach racial justice not by creating DEI policies but by actually carrying out those policies.
Many business leaders will spend extra for environmental justice but not for racial justice. The truth is, if you really want racial justice, you will have to pay for it. Whether it is hiring and training BIPOC employees or spending a little more money with BIPOC vendors, it also means making sure other vendors are hiring and training BIPOC employees. This is a shared burden for our society to right injustices.
FRANK BROWN
Steward, Minuteman Press Uptown
Adopt a “Buy-One, Give-One” Model
In the past, it was common for businesses to focus solely on profits and neglect their social and environmental responsibilities. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) as more and more people are becoming aware of the impact businesses have on society and the environment.
One unique approach that leaders can use to integrate CSR into small businesses is by implementing a “buy-one, give-one” model. This model involves committing to donating or giving back something in proportion to what is sold or purchased. This could be anything from products to services or even monetary donations.
I have personally experienced this approach through working with a company that implemented a “buy-one, give-one” initiative. For every property sold, a portion of the commission was donated to a local non-profit organization. This not only allowed us to fulfill our social responsibility but also gave us a sense of purpose as we were making positive contributions to the community.
Erica Nunley
Founder & CEO, Nunley Home Buyers
Use a Triple-Bottom-Line Strategy
A distinctive approach for leaders to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into small businesses is by adopting a triple-bottom-line strategy. This strategy goes beyond the traditional focus on profit and also considers the impact of business decisions on people and the planet.
In my experience, this approach has been successful in promoting sustainable and socially responsible practices within my small business. By considering the triple-bottom-line framework, we have been able to make more mindful decisions that not only benefit our company financially but also positively contribute to society and the environment.
For example, we have implemented environmentally friendly practices such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and implementing recycling programs. We have also taken steps to ensure fair and ethical treatment of our employees, such as providing competitive wages, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Zach Shepard
Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc
Support Your Team’s Charity Choices
One impactful approach small businesses can take to integrate corporate social responsibility is by empowering employees to choose charities to support. This can be structured similarly to a 401(k) match. For instance, if an employee wants to donate $100 to a children’s charity, the company can match this donation either in full or a percentage. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting the values and missions important to their employees.
Additionally, fostering a sense of community and teamwork through charitable events can further enhance this commitment. Engaging with employees to discover the events or charities they are passionate about and organizing team participation in benefit walks or other events can be highly rewarding. For example, one of my employees was on a health journey and signed up for a Tough Mudder.
To show my support, I joined her in the event. This not only supported her personal goals but also strengthened our team spirit and highlighted our company’s dedication to supporting individual and collective causes.
Brianna Rooney
CEO, Thriversity