According to a survey (yes, it’s been a long time since we had one of those, isn’t it!) in the current edition of Management Today, employees “work harder for firms which do the right thing.”
Summarizing research undertaken by the Kenexa Research Institute, a division of US-based HR and recruitment specialist Kenexa, MT reports that even in a chilly economic climate, people prefer to work for companies that do right by the environment and their fellow human beings.
Employees still value CSR, despite recession
Although it’s difficult to ignore the scepticism in Management Today’s tone, it’s interesting to read that workers who rate their firm’s environmental and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities positively are more likely to be proud of the organisation, demonstrate a higher level of job satisfaction and are more likely to say they intend to stay, and are also more likely to recommend it as a place of work to their friends.
That’s all fine and dandy, but are employees actually prepared to put their money where there mouth is and work for organisations who boast green credentials and have a favourable CSR record?
Here’s the current Top 10 in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for:
- Nando's (Restaurants)
- Goldman Sachs (Financial Services)
- Sytner Group (Prestige Car Retailer)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (Professional Services)
- Mothercare and Early Learning Centre (Specialist Retailer)
- Boots Opticians (Retail/Professional Opticians)
- Signet Trading (Jewellery Retailer)
- Mott MacDonald (Multi-disciplinary Consultancy)
- Bourne Leisure (Hospitality and Leisure)
- KPMG (Audit, Tax and Advisory Services)
The list isn’t exactly awash with verdant shades of green is it?
My suspicion is that the majority of employees feel more comfortable if the company they work for has a good track record in CSR, but I’m not convinced that many will actually choose to leave their current employee just because it doesn’t recycle its waste paper.
Would you consider switching employers just because a company had a better reputation in CSR?
As one who works for a company that has a fantastic reputation in CSR I can safely say I’m proud as punch with who I work for!!! Shame that I don’t feel quite so proud of the division I’m in or that at a departmental level our actual contribution to local projects is not quite what you would expect it to be. Hey ho
ReplyDeleteDid my organisations reputation attract me to join the organisation? Well, sort of. Truth is when you’re looking for a job you just go for what’s out there. If there are jobs aplenty then I’m sure you can be picky but at the end of the day, with bills to pay, beggars can’t be choosers.
Oh to be in a financial position to put the worthiness of an organisation above its pay cheque or its perks. If ever I get to that enviable position I’ll drop you a line and tell you if I’ve handed in my resignation to work for the worthiest of causes.
EBTG
I would definitely switch my employer just bcoz of the CSR....provided my current employer doesnt have better policies abt that..!!
ReplyDelete