Why are CSR programmes important

What is CSR? CSR stands for corporate social responsibility. It is an endeavour carried out by corporates to take action for the benefit of the community. CSR can involve many actions like Volunteering to help the underprivileged, donation, pioneering a change campaign, initiating environment-friendly practices etc. CSR can say a lot about your organization’s visions and values. A company that is willing to act for the interests of the society is idolized by customers, associates and employees and establishes a corporate identity of trustworthiness. E.g., The Tata group has built a legacy of trust with their persistent social endeavours. Be it small or big, CSR efforts can go a long way in improving the world we live in.

Corporate social responsibility strategy is a must in today’s times of cut-throat competition. In the sea of “Me too” products and services, your CSR efforts can strike a chord and build a connect with the social media savvy consumer. Health or wellness related CSR initiatives are extremely popular. Some activities in this sphere can be

• Arranging vaccination drives
• Sponsoring health camps
• Arranging ambulance services
• Giving donations to hospitals
• Funding medical research
• Creating campaigns for health awareness
• Providing clean water and hygienic food
• Organizing marathons and sports events
• Subsidizing medical education
• Sponsoring Doctor seminars
• Supporting research for less-common ailments

Health and wellness related CSR initiative is essential for a country like India with its burgeoning population, strained medical resources and burdened health systems.  If you incorporate health-related social reach programmes in your corporate strategy, you will truly be making a difference to millions of lives.

Benefits of CSR

• Builds your corporate identity :
• Your CSR endeavour makes a statement about the values your company is founded upon and your vision for the community. Your social commitment can speak volumes about your corporate culture and can establish your company’s identity as a Do-gooder or a pioneer of change.  Telling the story of your CSR activity through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook can build your company’s public image. If done on a large scale, press coverage can be a persona booster.
• Enhances customer loyalty :
• Your CSR initiatives showcase your care and concern for society. Corporates that are discerned as “Socially responsible” gain the customer’s attention and lead to consumer retention.  If your corporate values align with a customer’s values, he/ she feels more connected to your company and all that it stands for.  If your potential customers feel touched or moved by your CSR efforts, they are more likely to stay loyal to you.

• Boosts sales :
• Buying behaviour is greatly influenced by emotions. Brands with a social value are more likely to create long-lasting impressions on the consumer’s mind. Research has revealed that consumers are spurred to purchase a brand with a social value. They are even willing to pay more for brands that go with the label of social consciousness like sustainability or zero wastage. This can have a favourable outcome on your bottom line. The importance of Ambulance services was particularly felt during the pandemic when hundreds of patients in respiratory distress had to transported to hospitals speedily. Now even though things look better, it is essential not to become complacent and to have an advanced ambulance service in place dedicated to corona patients duly equipped with oxygen cylinders, protective gear and Covid-trained emergency personnel.

• Builds a positive workplace environment :
• Being involved in the company’s CSR endeavours makes the employees productive, constructively engaged and stress-free. These feelings promote positivity and energy in the workplace.

• Improves employee skills :
• Employees who volunteer for CSR initiatives build core skills like leadership ability, team spirit, creativity and multi-tasking capability. Moreover, doing something without expecting any returns gives positive benefits to emotional quotient and mental status. CSR activities can spur on your workforce’s personal growth parameters.
• Nurtures sustainability :
• Aiming to be socially responsible makes organizations incorporate environment-protection in their SOPs, this can be a big boost for sustainability. E.g., A company making CSR efforts in the direction of reducing its carbon footprint may invest in solar panels and other sources of renewable energy.

During the pandemic, many companies dis covid-centric CSR programmes. Some activities undertaken under this umbrella were

• Providing protective gear to medical front-line workers
• Spreading awareness among general public about the importance of social distancing, masks and use of sanitizers.
• Arranging vaccination drives for employees and their families.
• Organizing ambulance services to take critically ill to hospitals
• Arranging covid isolation facilities.
• Donating towards oxygen plants, ventilators, medicines  and oxygen cylinders.
• Arranging food drives for the underprivileged during the lockdowns.
• Donating to Government funds for covid-relief.

To conclude, CSR initiatives not only have a positive impact for the company itself, but also benefit the community, the society, the country and the world at large.  Be sure to integrate CSR in your corporate strategy. If you need any help in curating health and wellness CSR activities, contact OSH Medics Healthcare.

Dr. Vishal Jadhav

oshmedic2007@gmail.com

+91 9820833149 / 9867712705