As the festive season approaches, Tauranga businesses are once again showing their commitment to the community through various forms of giving. From food donations to volunteer hours, local businesses are spreading holiday cheer and fostering team spirit within their organisations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives not only benefit society but also have a positive impact on businesses and their employees.
The Power of Giving Back – Why CSR Matters
CSR initiatives have become crucial for businesses of all sizes. Giving back to the community offers several benefits:
Enhanced Reputation
Engaging in socially responsible practices strengthens brand reputation, attracts loyal customers, and builds trust with stakeholders. Consumers are more likely to support businesses that align with their values, making CSR a win-win for both companies and communities.
Stronger Leadership and Collaboration
CSR activities help teams develop new skills. Leaders emerge from organising initiatives, and employees collaborate across departments. These experiences improve communication, problem-solving, and camaraderie.
Stronger Community Bonds
Supporting local charities helps businesses connect meaningfully with their community. For employees, this involvement fosters pride and purpose, extending into interactions with customers and clients.
Attracting Top Talent
Today’s workforce values purpose-driven environments. Businesses prioritising CSR are more likely to attract and retain top talent, especially younger employees who want to align their work with personal values.
Motivated and Engaged Workforce
CSR initiatives bond teams, improve morale, and strengthen culture. Employees often report feeling more engaged and united after participating in CSR activities, seeing firsthand the positive impact of their efforts.
Building Teams Through CSR This Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, there are many ways businesses can involve their teams in CSR initiatives. Organising a team volunteering day at a food bank, hosting a toy drive, or starting a donation programme are all great examples. For instance, Craigs Investment Partners runs a Workplace Giving initiative, allowing employees to donate a portion of their monthly paychecks to local charities. Annemarie Hills, Investment Advisor at Craigs and BWN committee member, explains, “We’re really proud of our Workplace Giving program. Employees donate from their pay, and we match their contributions dollar for dollar, up to $500 per person annually. It’s a great way to make a real impact in our local community.”
By embracing CSR, Tauranga businesses are giving their teams the gift of purpose and unity. This festive season celebrate not just the spirit of giving but also the incredible power of teams coming together to make a difference – help Tauranga Business Chamber’s BWN (Business Womens Network) raise money for their nominated charity ‘Unseen Heroes’ at 2024’s BWN Christmas fundraising luncheon. Book your tickets here for the 6 December event at Tauranga Yacht Club.
