Ask the Expert – Social Responsibility

Question:  We hear a lot about Corporate Social Responsibility and wonder how a small company be involved in such a practice.

Answer: Corporate Social Responsibility is not something you just start, it must be part of the nature of the company or organization. It also does not require mass amounts of money or time. as the object is to accomplish something positive and not to make a PR Splash.  Consider starting with your hiring practices, are you actively seeking to hire a recent veteran? Their training and disciple translate into outstanding staff. This may not seem like a big step, but it makes a big impact on someone who has already served you.

Question: I see signs along the road with company and organization names as the ones who “Adopted” that part of the highway. How big of a commitment is such an undertaking and how should we pick the area?

Answer: If you are willing to make a commitment, such as adopting a highway, it can have a positive impact on those who see it, especially for your potential business partners or corporate neighbors. Plan to spend at least one day a week for one hour to pick up the debris that has collected and tend any landscaping you may have added. It does not have to be the same people every week, so you can rotate it to spread out the work. It can also be used as an evaluation of your staff, based on how much effort they put in when it was their turn. A project such as this can show the true commitment of your staff to the firm and also their ability to consistently follow through on an assignment.

Question: Everyday when I walk to the train I see homeless or unemployed people with signs asking for a handout. I do not feel comfortable giving money. Is there an acceptable alternative way to help them?

Answer: My daughter started seeing a homeless man in front of Northwestern Hospital every day when she came to work. The man was very well dressed and clean but he does not have a job and keeps trying to find work. That gave her a great idea and she convinced her brother to go with her once a month and distribute bags that have personal hygiene items such as a tooth brush, soap and deodorant.  She then also gets me to cook a whole turkey and carve it up and she makes about 40 sandwiches. She gives a bag, sandwich and a bottle of water to people who she thinks need it the most. She always gives one to the man in front of Northwestern, which is where she starts each month. She would not feel comfortable doing this on her own, which is why she has her brother with her. Now this makes a difference giving those with less something they really need.