The role of a CSR strategy in the attraction of new talent

 

Sustainability is gradually becoming an increasingly important issue in everyday life. In recent years, it has become evident that the issue of sustainability, whilst affecting all generations, is of core importance to young talent.

In addition to being more inclined to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, the younger generation is also making educational and professional choices with sustainability in mind.

This is precisely why universities and business schools are now integrating courses and lectures on sustainability within their curricula. And it is for the same reason that companies themselves should implement and improve their CSR strategy, not only because of the environmental and economic benefits it brings to the company, but also since it has now become a fundamental part of an effective employer branding package.

In this article, We show you in this article how CSR has become an essential component in attracting new talent.

 

 

Sustainable education

 

To accommodate this growing interest in sustainability among young people, and the general trend that will lead us to a greener transition, many universities and business schools are integrating sustainability considerations into their curricula.

The aim of these programmes is to shape and educate the next generation of leaders with a sustainable perspective, thus creating a community of socially responsible leaders.

 

Build a sustainable mind

The real challenge for the education sector is to teach tomorrow’s executive class to adopt a different approach to resources, encouraging them to develop and build their ‘sustainable consciousness’. With their energy and creativity, the new generations represent the key to achieving sustainable development goals and implementing the transformation towards a better future.

Today, practically all business schools have at least one compulsory course on sustainability and how it can be applied to corporate strategy. In fact, the number of programmes focusing solely on these issues has grown considerably in recent years.

 

New expectations

The new generation of present-day and future recruits is trained in CSR concepts and tools, prioritises social responsibility in their lives, and is determined to associate with organisations that care about their own and the community’s wellbeing. It is therefore crucial that these topics are integrated by companies, as they are now an intrinsic part of the recruitment process, alongside the offer of excellent benefits and competitive salaries.

 

 

CSR strategy as a vital means of employer branding

 

One of a company’s most important assets is its human resources. A company’s success often derives from its ability to attract, motivate and retain a pool of talented workers. 

 

The importance of values

Nowadays, given the exponentially greater number of choices, prospective candidates no longer assess potential employers only based on so-called “standard” benefits. The younger generation is eager to be part of something bigger. They are looking for a company and a community that inspires them, makes them feel good about their career choices and reflects their values.

In the eyes of the younger generation, corporate social responsibility is a rightful, compelling and ever more valuable way of attracting, retaining, nurturing and engaging successful employees. CSR initiatives thus become part of the value proposition for employees, as they mirror the values of a company.

 

CSR as a business culture

It therefore becomes important not only to develop and implement a CSR strategy, which should be consistent with the company’s strategy and effective in its objectives, but also to share and advertise the company’s achievements and ideas for future projects. Several marketing and employer branding activities need to be designed to capture the CSR strategy and enhance the importance of these initiatives. Do beware of falling into mere greenwashing schemes, however. This ideology cannot just be a sham façade to attract consumers and talent, it must be anchored in the very foundations of your organisation. CSR must be merged with your brand. Your CSR programme should not just be an addition to your corporate culture tailored to attract talent, but be an integral component of your organisation.

 

CSR and human resources

The benefits of an effective CSR strategy are not limited to environmental, social and economic aspects, they also include the quality of the human resources that a company will be able to attract. When a company recruits personnel with a comprehensive employer branding plan in mind, also incorporating CSR elements, it is essentially entrusting the job to the right people with the right skills and the right emotional investment. An employee whose values are aligned with those of the company, and who is motivated by the company’s culture, will be constantly engaged and committed to doing the best possible job. If employees feel that they truly belong in a workplace, they are more efficient and productive and they work hard to improve the business.

 

Seize the initiative and attract new talent

As illustrated above, a company that decides to build and run an effective and coherent CSR strategy will have greater talent attraction potential. We are here to guide you in creating a CSR strategy for your company. Be proactive and take the plunge! Are you planning to make your company more responsible? Get in touch!

 

 

 

 

 

Elisa Actis