.png)
As the end of the year approaches, it’s the traditional time when organizations reflect upon their successes in the past 12 months. For many, these accomplishments include how they’ve given back to the communities they serve.
Known as corporate social responsibility (CSR), or simply social responsibility, the concept of companies giving back to society isn’t new. But the number of companies committing to CSR efforts is rising at a significant rate. According to findings from Harvard Business School Online, "an estimated 90 percent of companies on the S&P 500 index publishing a CSR report in 2019, compared to just 20 percent in 2011."
The benefits are many. Successful societies and thriving businesses go hand in hand. Beyond that, CSR helps build legitimacy in the eyes of stakeholders – employees, consumers and shareholders. It differentiates your brand in a crowded marketplace and can provide a way to thank loyal customers.
What’s more, CSR can help organizations connect with the next generation of employees and customers. The Millennial Generation, characterizing those born between the late 1980s and 2000, is known for its civic-minded nature. Millennials account for one-third of the U.S. labor force, and they decide to work for and choose products from companies with clear CSR efforts.
Many of the organizations AOE serves have CSR initiatives in place. Perhaps your company has selected a charitable organization to support or has made sustainable practices a priority. Now, it’s time to share your success in giving back.
To let others know about your organization’s CSR efforts, consider an end-of-year video. Today’s software creates videos with ease from photographs or video clips. As an example, AOE created this video recap of our contributions in 2023. CSR is a primary mission for AOE, as we give 100 percent of our profits back to the industries we serve. AOE is supporting several clients with in-kind donations, financial support as well as sponsorships for their meetings and events including the American Concrete Pavement Association, the International Grinding and Grooving Association, the Post-Tensioning Institute, the Concrete Industry Management Program and the American Concrete Pumping Association. AOE also is providing in-kind services for NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence in Carbon Neutral Concrete and The American Concrete Institute Foundation.
Interested in a video recap to share your CSR successes? It can be an integral part of telling your organization’s mission and reaching the next generation. Plus, video remains hands-down the most popular and engaging medium for reaching your audience. Let us know how we can help.