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| Image by Engin Erdogan |
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an emerging segment of corporate meetings that is likely here to stay. There is a good deal of debate among corporate managers over whether companies should engage in CSR. Although altruistic as well as a good PR move, there is a cost associated with performing a CSR volunteer activity both in terms of money and risk management. Besides being one more line item in the meeting budget, there are risks of possible injuries that might be sustained during some of the volunteer activities. However, the sense of pride and accomplishment experienced by the volunteers, as well as the good press generated, means that CSR is quite worth exploring for your next meeting.
Offering to volunteer in the destination where the meeting is being held brings goodwill to the community and casts your company in a better light than the days of old when the corporate meeting was perceived as just an excuse for a huge party. With the economy as it is, local charities and organizations not only benefit from the participation of companies and the publicity it brings, but they also rely on it. Local charities always need volunteers just to keep them running, so they appreciate the temporary workforce. In short, it is a win-win for everyone.
Since corporate meetings are now “leaner and meaner” than ever before, and many corporations are looking for ways to justify their off-site meetings, incorporating CSR through volunteering and giving back to the community is a natural offshoot. Meeting attendees truly appreciate the opportunity to pitch in because they get the chance to “give back”. Many attendees have a busy work schedule that they are trying to balance with their home life, so simply being given the time to participate in a worthwhile cause not only improves their outlook but it can also be an incentive to reach for higher goals.
The list of potential CSR activities that your company can engage in while holding the corporate meeting is wide and depends on the destination. Opportunities can be tailored to your corporate preferences and/or your product.
Some hotels chains are making CSR part of their overall list of activities for companies looking to book rooms with them. One example is Fairmont Hotels & Resorts where their Banff Springs location has at least two Corporate Social Responsibility activities. One of them involves volunteering at a local church where volunteers can pitch in to help provide a free hot meal to deserving Banff residents. Another activity, done primarily during the summer months, organizes volunteers to help clear debris and trash from the trails of Banff National Park.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a good example of a group that takes CSR seriously. In addition to those examples, they have a written corporate policy that emphasizes CSR and promotes “green” initiatives. They work closely with local community organizations to bring about responsible corporate tourism.
Turning to a meeting planner to assist with the site selection for your next event is a good option, because the meeting planner will know which properties either offer established CSR opportunities or work with registered organizations. A meeting planner can help find the right fit for your needs.
Offering to volunteer in the destination where the meeting is being held brings goodwill to the community and casts your company in a better light than the days of old when the corporate meeting was perceived as just an excuse for a huge party. With the economy as it is, local charities and organizations not only benefit from the participation of companies and the publicity it brings, but they also rely on it. Local charities always need volunteers just to keep them running, so they appreciate the temporary workforce. In short, it is a win-win for everyone.
Since corporate meetings are now “leaner and meaner” than ever before, and many corporations are looking for ways to justify their off-site meetings, incorporating CSR through volunteering and giving back to the community is a natural offshoot. Meeting attendees truly appreciate the opportunity to pitch in because they get the chance to “give back”. Many attendees have a busy work schedule that they are trying to balance with their home life, so simply being given the time to participate in a worthwhile cause not only improves their outlook but it can also be an incentive to reach for higher goals.
The list of potential CSR activities that your company can engage in while holding the corporate meeting is wide and depends on the destination. Opportunities can be tailored to your corporate preferences and/or your product.
Some hotels chains are making CSR part of their overall list of activities for companies looking to book rooms with them. One example is Fairmont Hotels & Resorts where their Banff Springs location has at least two Corporate Social Responsibility activities. One of them involves volunteering at a local church where volunteers can pitch in to help provide a free hot meal to deserving Banff residents. Another activity, done primarily during the summer months, organizes volunteers to help clear debris and trash from the trails of Banff National Park.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a good example of a group that takes CSR seriously. In addition to those examples, they have a written corporate policy that emphasizes CSR and promotes “green” initiatives. They work closely with local community organizations to bring about responsible corporate tourism.
Turning to a meeting planner to assist with the site selection for your next event is a good option, because the meeting planner will know which properties either offer established CSR opportunities or work with registered organizations. A meeting planner can help find the right fit for your needs.
The list of companies that have CSR initiatives is growing and it’s not just small companies. Some of the names you might have heard that are known to have CSR programs include Morgan Stanley, Whirlpool, Xerox, Wyeth and Aetna, among others. These companies have incorporated CSR into their overall day-to-day corporate strategies, not just the company meeting. However, the company meeting is a good place to get started down the road of CSR.
If you have questions, there are those out there who can help, such as meeting planners who do this every day and at the hotels and resorts themselves. You just need to make the decision to participate and then start asking, but you don’t have to create the programs alone.
Maureen Santoro is Manager, Group Operations for Atlas Travel Internationals Meetings + Incentives. She has 20 years of experience planning meetings for companies of all sizes.
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2 comments:
Good Share.I hope more people discover your blog because you really know what you're talking about. Can't wait to read more from you!
I agree that you really know what you are doing and you are very clear with the subject. I think CSR is a must thing today for every organization. But still i think Asian companies donot understand the importance of CSR.
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