This Week's Herman Trend Alert Social Responsibility is Good Strategy

The Herman Trend Alert May 7, 2008 Social Responsibility is Good Strategy Many indicators point to the fact Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a wise business strategy. In our book, "How to Become an Employer of Choice", we discussed why people want to work for companies that are good corporate citizens. Moreover, one of the elements of being an Employer of Choice® is "Making a Difference". We know, when employers give their people opportunities to make a difference that the workers feel more "bonded" to the organization. In these times of a tight (and getting tighter) labor market, it is particularly important to press whichever buttons are effective in keeping people and keeping them engaged and productive. From the scrolling list of CSR goals in the lobby of Marks and Spencer's headquarters to a handful of enlightened employers in Singapore reaching out to older workers to corporate entities like Coca-Cola working with Greenpeace to eliminate carbon emissions from its vending machines and coolers, employers around the world are expressing their support for social causes and the environment. On a related note, a recent study of managers in Fortune 500 companies conducted by Deloitte Service LLP in the United States found that 91 percent are looking at their pro bono community outreach to non-profits and small businesses as a way to develop their employees' skills. According to Evan Hochberg, National Director of Community involvement for Deloitte, USD100 billion is spent nationally on training and development every year, thus making volunteerism an attractive and less costly alternative. An earlier Deloitte study suggests Generation Y, those we call "The Millennials", believe US employers are doing "too little, too late". They are looking for employers that will provide them opportunities for CSR involvement---for both personal and professional growth. One another note, when asked by "The Economist" Magazine for the "main benefits" to having a "defined corporate benefit policy", almost 40 percent said "Being more attractive to potential and existing employees", while over 50 percent reported that an important benefit was "Having a better brand reputation". We expect CSR to increase in importance, helping wise employers to recruit, engage, develop, and retain employees. © Copyright 1998-2008 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER If you've been thinking about attending our valuable Employee Retentions SPecialist Certificate Program, don't delay--only a couple of spaces remain. You know the employment market continues to heat up. Many positions are impossible to fill. You will be more valuable when you know what's behind this skilled labor crisis and . . . what to do about it. 14 hours of recertification credit from HRCI. Next program: May 22-23, Charleston, SC. Call Carol at 336-282-9370 or visit www.employeeretentionspecialist.com. FIND OUT WHAT THE BEST COMPANIES KNOW Find out what's really going on inside the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses only certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really want to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews, and more. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-648-1918 or read more.. HELP YOUR LEADERS TO EXCEL Thousands have used our weekly Retention Reminders to help their supervisors and managers remember how to hold onto top talent. The 52-week subscription is only $47, a bargain when you think about the savings to your organization in reduced turnover. Order today. Or for quantity discounts, call Carol at 336-210-3547. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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