CSR - obligations, opportunities, strategies

Corporate Social Responsibility

For many companies, the topic of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has so far been synonymous with sponsorship or charity: nice to have, but not a must. However, practically every company also generates social, ecological and societal benefits with its innovations, products and services that go beyond purely economic success - and can contribute significantly to a good image, branding and employer branding.

 

However, very few companies pursue a consistent strategy to systematically convert existing potential and resources into results, appropriate reporting and targeted communication.

Statement on non-financial information – required by the EU Directive

The financial year 2017 marked a shift in the focus on CSR: the transposition of the EU Directive on Corporate Social Responsibility into national law (Section 289c of the German Commercial Code) requires a large number of companies in Germany and the EU to include a so-called ‘statement on non-financial information’ in their management report. This statement must cover all impacts of the company’s activities on environmental, labour and social issues, as well as provide information on respect for human rights and the fight against corruption and bribery.

This leaves communications departments with the task of recording and evaluating all direct and indirect, positive and negative contributions to corporate social responsibility – and, often at great expense, wading through a jungle of uncoordinated CSR structures that have grown haphazardly, comprising a wide variety of individual measures and data fragments. The immediate reactions among those responsible are easy to predict: extra work (perceived as unnecessary in itself), overtime (no one thanks you for it anyway), and widespread groaning (why all this?).

The CSR report as an opportunity

In fact, the reporting obligation presents a genuine opportunity: if it is clear to all involved that a report is not being produced ‘for the sake of reporting’, but that the results can be used to effectively drive the company forward, a win-win situation can be created.

The structured situation analysis enables strategic planning of further measures which, in conjunction with internal and external communication, strengthen the brand essence and employees’ identification with their company. The supposed extra effort becomes value creation; initiative and willingness to perform are rewarded.

CSR: Strategy, Report, Communication

If you have tended to neglect the topic of CSR up to now, now is the right time to reconsider this stance. We can help you plan a targeted CSR strategy, implement systematic reporting and evaluation, and effectively communicate your results. The obligation to issue a statement on non-financial information in accordance with Section 289c of the German Commercial Code (HGB) provides the perfect opportunity to develop a sustainable CSR concept from which you, your company and your employees will benefit in the long term.