CSR: Benefits for SMEs

From RESSORT project:

BENEFITS FOR SMEs

What can social responsibility bring to a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise?

For SMEs, CSR means a medium- and long-term voluntary strategy of close relations with the stakeholders, focused on obtaining a return on efforts made by means of a permanent improvement, better differentiation and reputation for the company, easier access to financing and the achievement of a greater level of sustainability for the business project in the long term.

What are the concrete benefits for SMEs that adopt CSR measures?

Measures to improve the work-life balance of the company's employees help to:

• Reduce absenteeism
• Improve employee involvement and motivation
• Increase productivity

Managing the diversity of people working for the company contributes to:

• Improving the atmosphere in the workplace and reducing internal conflict
• The mutual enrichment and bonding of teams
• Widening perspectives on policies, products and services

The quality of working conditions in terms of contracting, payment, continuing professional training, promotion and participation are useful for:

• Attracting and retaining talent
• A good atmosphere in the workplace
• The quality of products and services and of customer service

The contracting and integration into the company of disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities and/or at risk of exclusion means:

• The involvement of highly-motivated people who are very committed to the company
• The projection of a positive image to society and the company gaining public recognition
• Benefiting from tax reductions

Respect for the environment beyond the legal requirements leads to:

• More efficient management and saving of resources
• Improvement in production processes and an incentive to innovate
• A better corporate image, which could lead to increased demand and higher profits

Investment in health and safety brings with it:

• A reduction in workplace risks and absenteeism
• Increased productivity
• A good corporate image and the minimising of the negative effects of accidents

Having a good relationship with clients and supplier entities and companies generates:

• Greater client loyalty and satisfaction
• The acceptance of a price that incorporates the added value of CSR
• Competitive advantage to attract the best supplier entities and companies

Cooperation between the company and the territory enables:

• Improved corporate image in the local area
• The local client's loyalty to be gained
• Representativeness in local decision-making processes

Transparency and good governance are repaid with:

• Improved relations with all of the interested parties
• Greater involvement of the interested parties in solving problems
• Greater ease in obtaining external financing

Sponsorship, involvement in the community and social action allow the company:

• To have its values associated with the brand image
• To achieve prestige, social legitimacy and value in the local area
• To benefit from tax reductions