In recent years, the attention for corporate social responsibility has increased significantly. Many companies now see it as more or less the norm for doing business and are making an effort to operate more socially and environmentally conscious. However, research by CSR Netherlands in the context of the Week of the Entrepreneur shows that there is still much to gain, especially abroad. 'It is also difficult for many companies, especially SMEs, to influence,' says Willem Lageweg, director of CSR Netherlands. He would like to see sectors collectively tackle CSR-related issues, especially because this facilitates the implementation of policies abroad.
Stronger together
'We all know the incidents in the clothing industry, where last year 1100 people died in a factory that was not safe at all. Only cheap clothing was produced here, and you see the outrage over these cases increasing. Fortunately, you also see that the sector is addressing this well, they now have a multi-year program in which businesses and retail tackle these kinds of issues together,' says Willem. They are trying to raise wages in clothing factories, but also to collectively address safety policies in collaboration with the Dutch government. 'Ensuring that building regulations are adhered to is already a good first step. Collectively, you are much stronger, but it cannot be done in one day.'
CSR Netherlands also actively supports companies in setting up CSR policies and sees many examples of sectors where this is being well addressed. 'There are hundreds of companies that are ambitiously working on CSR, we see them coming by daily. These are the drivers, the frontrunners. But when you look at the larger group, the peloton, you see that they struggle to tackle very complex social and safety issues. The awareness and ambitions are still too low there.' Willem sees that there are still significant steps to be taken in sectors such as the toy industry, household goods, and electronics.
What can be improved at my company?
The foundation also tries to provide entrepreneurs with tools on how to effectively engage with CSR policies. 'For example, with the CSR Risk Checker, a digital tool that allows you to check your products in five to ten minutes and makes the risks in that area visible. We then provide entrepreneurs with tools on how to mitigate these risks.' Companies also benefit from a good CSR policy. 'It leads to innovation, better relationships with suppliers, higher employee engagement, which in turn leads to less turnover and absenteeism. People want to be involved in things that are good for the world.'
Willem especially calls on companies to become more ambitious in the field of CSR. 'Many companies are positive about it and have tackled the practical and easily implementable policy issues, but the more complex issues require more time and energy. You run the risk of getting involved in incidents. The light is green for more ambitious CSR policies at companies, but now action must be taken!'
