In last week’s blog post we discussed why CSR is great for your business. This week, we dive deep into how your CSR programme can support employee wellbeing. The current pandemic has put workplace wellbeing high on the agenda of every business. And rightly so.
Just how does CSR make a difference to the wellbeing of your employees? What is employee wellbeing and why is it important?
Employee wellbeing is all about the mental and physical health of your employees. As an employer, it’s your job to do what you can to support this. This can include promoting a better work-life balance, reducing stress and creating positive work environments that make for happy employees. A healthy and happy workforce has huge benefits for your business. Studies have shown that happy employees are more productive, have fewer work absences and are more resilient. On the other hand, disengaged employees can really put a dent in your profits. According to a Thriving at Work report, poor mental health costs employers in the UK between £33 billion and £42 billion a year. That’s not a statistic you want your business to be a part of.
During the pandemic, many businesses have understandably switched to home working in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. However, it’s important to consider the effect this has on your employees and their wellbeing. Feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as concerns about income and job losses are potentially damaging to your teams wellbeing. So, how can your CSR programme help?
How a CSR programme can support wellbeing at work
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes help your employees feel good, bond as a team and create a happier work environment. Here’s our top three reasons why your CSR programme will support wellbeing at work.
The benefits of Giving Back
It’s simple; when we give back, we feel good. According to the Cleaveland Clinic, selfless acts lower stress levels, increase happiness and reduce incidences of depression.
Giving back actually releases “feel good” chemicals in our brains. Evidence suggests that serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical) and dopamine (a feel-good chemical) are both released when we give back to others. Proof that Giving back is mood boosting!
According to the NHS, giving to others is one of the 5 key steps to mental wellbeing. Giving back creates positive feelings and a sense of purpose. The charity Mind agrees, finding that people who help others are more likely to describe themselves as happy.
Team Bonding
Your team has a chance to bond through your CSR programme. Taking part in CSR outside of a normal working environment gives your employees a chance to get to know each other better. For teams working virtually, it’s an opportunity to feel connected and build team spirit.
Team building is important for employee wellbeing. Studies have shown that employees that work together for a social cause in their community are more likely to be engaged, satisfied and a more productive.
The bonds formed through CSR will transfer back to working as a team in the workplace. It encourages cooperation with other departments, makes it easier for colleagues to offer support and to ask for help, all fostered through team bonding.
Happiness in the workplace
Your CSR programme is going to make for happier employees. In a Cone Communications study on employee engagement, 88% of respondents said their job is more fulfilling when they are provided opportunities to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues. Happy employees lead to better working environments. Research has found that happy employees are 12 percent more productive, are more motivated, creative and effective in their role.
What next?
Your CSR programme is a great opportunity to support wellbeing at work. A good CSR programme will give your employees a chance to feel good and give back, form closer bonds with their colleagues and create a happier working environment. If you’re looking to build a CSR strategy for your business, check out our previous blog post for some top tips.
Is your business based in West Yorkshire? Do you care about supporting the homeless and vulnerable in our community? If that’s a yes, get in touch with us to find out more about becoming a corporate partner and making Simon on the Streets your chosen charity! There’s no time like the present to start your CSR journey!