SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT WORK

Whether as an international company, a small business or simply us as individuals, assuming social responsibility is an important key to a functioning society. But what is it actually about? It ensures that you have enough time for enjoying online pokies.

DIN STANDARD AS A GUIDELINE FOR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The discussion about this corporate social responsibility has certainly been going on since the middle of the 20th century at the latest. But the principle of CSR has actually only gained momentum in the working world in recent decades. Today, corresponding guidelines are firmly anchored in more and more institutions, organizations and companies.

There are no regulations on what this should look like. There is even a separate DIN standard on the subject: ISO 26000. However, this “guideline for social responsibility” is not a regulation, but is intended to give organizations a little orientation on how they can behave in a socially responsible manner. It defines core topics that provide a good framework for the field of corporate social responsibility. What is interesting here is that they relate not only to external activities, but also to the culture and working methods within the organization.

DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES; CONSUMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Organizational management is indeed one of these CSR fields from the guidelines and actually also the starting point for all other areas. This is where it is decided which value system applies to a company and how consistently it is interlinked. Closely linked to this: Labor practices – i.e., responsibility for employees and the question of how they are treated in terms of working conditions, training, pay, and also health and safety in the workplace.

Furthermore, it is about fair business practices. In particular, the topic of the environment, which has gained enormously in importance in recent years, and of course the protection of human rights, which is a challenge for internationally active organizations in particular. For example, if they have branched out business relationships or have production abroad and should keep an eye on the working conditions in low-wage countries. And there is also the need to look outward, to the people who deal with the company as consumers or customers. Fairness is a keyword here, as are transparency and education, but also data protection.

The last core area outlined in the ISO standard is also very exciting: the involvement and development of the community. Here, it really becomes clear once again that organizations also have a social responsibility far beyond their self-defined purpose. The aim is to make a contribution to society.

This can be, for example, social commitment for which employees are released from work to a defined extent, charity campaigns, or initiatives launched by the company with the aim of social sustainability and equal opportunities.

HEALTHY COOPERATION IN A HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT

And sure, depending on the company’s orientation, such CSR policies look different. This is mainly because they are usually geared to the company’s own field of activity and also have a lot to do with the value system of the respective organization.

In principle, therefore, it is a question of interpretation in which form companies ultimately assume social responsibility and ensure healthy coexistence in a healthy working environment. And it’s clear that we as a society and as consumers must always keep an eye on whether corporate social responsibility is not just being used by an organization to improve its image and cover up grievances.

But it is also clear that there is an ethical framework for social responsibility – and some concrete points of reference on how this can work particularly well. Acting within this consensus is likely to take society further and further.

 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post and the author’s views here do not necessarily reflect those of the blog owner.