Corporate social responsibility might sound like a boring, jargony term, but it truly is a beautiful thing. Companies around the world are committing to more responsible practices. To hiring more diverse teams. To treating their employees well. To producing products with recycled materials. 72% of US consumers say it’s more important than ever to shop from brands that hold the same values. In an increasingly polarized world, companies that stand for human rights and the protection of our environment stand out. After all, if there’s one thing we should be able to agree on, it’s the fair treatment of others, including future generations. In this guide to corporate social responsibility, we definite this term, present key strategies, and highlight useful software to help companies reach their goals. What is corporate social responsibility? Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the concept that businesses have a responsibility to not only their stakeholders and customers, but also to the planet, its ecosystems, wildlife, and people. CSR comprises the work companies do to uphold that responsibility. This work includes hiring practices, marketing practices, product material choices, shipping strategies, and so much more. Why is corporate social responsibility important? Consumers are growing increasingly frustrated with corporations harming the environment without care or retribution. With global warming accelerating at an alarming rate, the time for finger-pointing is over. Everyone needs to do their part. Consumers need to purchase more sustainable products, and corporations need to meet this demand and change their practices across manufacturing, packaging, and every other aspect. Studies show that the brands who lead the way with corporate social responsibility appear more authentic to customers than those who lag behind. 15 factors comprising CSR A corporations’ corporate social responsibility is comprised of lots of different factors, from their shipping practices to who they hire and how truthful they are with their marketing campaigns. Below, we dive into the top elements that make up CSR: 1. Factory working conditions Dozens of consumer brands have come under fire for having poor factory working conditions. The worst of these is, of course, child labor. But low pay, lack of breaks, dangerous facilities, and other issues also abound. Because many companies contract out to factories, they need to have an internal CSR professional or consultant go and visit these factories in order to vet the safety, wellness, and pay of the workers. If there are any issues, the PR flack won’t fall just on the third-party contractor, but on the brand. 2. Corporate employee treatment Corporations need to be mindful of how their knowledge workers and front-line customer service employees are treated as well. From health care to fair wages to ethical treatment by managers, companies need to keep a watchful eye on employee training, management, and working conditions across all levels of the organization. 3. Product or service impact A company’s CSR can’t be separated from its revenue streams. The products or services that a brand offers have a major impact on the world. This impact can be positive or negative. For example, eco clothing brand Pangaia shares the positive climate impact of all of its products. Shoppers can see how much carbon, water, and pesticide use is reduced by purchasing one of Panagaia’s products over a similar item from a company that doesn’t prioritize sustainability. Service-based businesses are not immune to environmental impact. For example, a consulting firm might have a high carbon footprint due to business travel for in-person meetings. To combat their footprint, business travelers can consolidate their trips and eliminate unnecessary in-person meetings. Because of the increasing urgency of the climate crisis, companies across all industries should take efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their p...