Why Social Responsibility Matters to Businesses

Companies are increasingly ramping up their focus on social responsibility, whether they are championing women’s rights, protecting the environment, or attempting to obliterate poverty, on local, national, or global levels. From an optics perspective, socially responsible companies project more attractive images to both consumers and shareholders alike, which serves to positively affect their bottom lines.

Customers Matter

Embracing socially responsible policies goes a long way toward attracting and retaining customers, which is essential to a company’s long-term success. Furthermore, many individuals who know that part of a company's profits will be channeled toward social causes near and dear to them will gladly pay a premium for goods.

Companies can likewise witness increased foot traffic if they're committed to supporting the local community. For example, banks that dispense loans to low-income households are apt to see an uptick in business as a direct result.

Increases Employee Motivation

Social responsibility is an effective tool to increase employee engagement. These companies tend to attract employees who are eager to make a difference in the world—in addition to simply collecting a paycheck. With large companies, there is strength in numbers, and collective employee efforts can achieve substantial results, which increases workplace morale and boosts productivity.

According to Harvard Business School, nearly 70% of employees say they would not work for a company without a strong purpose. Ninety percent of employees who work at companies with a strong sense of purpose say they’re more inspired, motivated, and loyal, and 92% of employees who work at a socially responsible company say they would be more likely to recommend their employer to those in their network who are looking for a job.

Research shows that employee engagement translates directly to a company's overall performance and bottom line: engaged employees have a 17% increase in productivity, are 21% more profitable, and can have 41% lower absenteeism.

To sum it all up, even a small investment in corporate social responsibility initiatives can increase employee engagement and have an impact on how profitable the company can be.

Community Support and Customer Loyalty

Social responsibility works as a platform for companies and consumers alike to make a positive impact on local and global communities. Businesses that implement a social responsibility initiative that’s in line with their values have the opportunity to increase customer retention and loyalty.

Research shows that 87% of American consumers are more likely to buy a product from a company that advocates for an issue they care about, and 76% would refuse to purchase a product if they found out a company supported an issue contrary to their beliefs.

Community-oriented companies often enjoy a leg up on their competition as well, thanks to superior brand imaging. For example, Tesla Inc. (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has successfully attracted environmentally-minded consumers with his line of cutting-edge electric cars and green automotive products.

Examples of Corporate Social Responsibility

Coca-Cola Company (KO)

In 2010, Coca-Cola started the 5by20 initiative to empower women across the globe. The company stated:

Through 5by20 programs around the world, we equip women entrepreneurs to overcome social and economic barriers by providing business skills training, access to financial services, and assets, and connections with peers and mentors. The women participating in 5by20 work in roles across our value chain include retailers, suppliers, producers, artisans, and more.

Visa Inc. (V)

Through its financial inclusion program, Visa has developed innovative ways of bringing digital cash to places in the world where the financial infrastructure doesn't exist or for people who don't have access to the financial system, like residents of many developing countries. The company stated:

Today, about half the adult world lives in the informal economy, dealing exclusively in cash. To be one of these estimated 2 billion people is to face financial barriers that make life risky, expensive, and inefficient. Financial inclusion helps put people on a path out of poverty, creates productive, empowered citizens, fosters business opportunities, and fuels economic growth.

The Bottom Line

Socially responsible companies cultivate positive brand recognition, increase customer loyalty, and attract top-tier employees. These elements are among the keys to achieving increased profitability and long-term financial success.