With the UK facing high living costs and rising inflation, many people struggle to afford even one square meal a day. Research from 2022 revealed that one in five people — around 14.3 million individuals — live in poverty. This figure includes 4.3 million children and 1.9 million pensioners. For them, essentials such as housing, heating and food are daily challenges, leaving little room for leisure or education.
As a business, your responsibility extends beyond profit and growth. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gives you a way to integrate social and environmental concerns into your operations and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Simple acts like donating medical equipment, running a food bank or asking your employees to volunteer at charities can all be part of your CSR management and outreach programme.
Ready to do your part for those less fortunate? Even with the best intentions, many businesses struggle to find the right avenues to direct their time, money or effort. To help, we’ve compiled a list of impactful activities your organisation can take on to give back to society.
1. Give Blood
Donations don’t always have to be monetary. Every week, the NHS Blood and Transplant department needs to receive 1000 plasma donations. If your staff members are in good health, do not have any underlying medical conditions, and are not on any medications, you can ask them to donate blood or plasma.
The NHS website provides complete information about eligibility and the donation process. Some charities, such as the Red Cross, also organise blood drives. Certain blood groups, such as O+ and O- donors, are in higher demand.
Blood donation can be a rewarding experience because you are helping a stranger in need and may even save their life.
2. Support a Local Food Bank
Food banks rely on donations and funding to provide short-term emergency food and practical advice to individuals and families in crisis. As a non-profit, charitable organisation, food banks need all the support they can get.
You can volunteer or make a monetary or non-perishable food donation, such as a canned good. Food bank volunteers typically deliver food parcels, provide assistance to individuals, and process donations.
3. Offer Pro Bono Mentoring
Mentoring helps people advance in their careers. However, not everyone is lucky enough to get this guidance, especially those from disadvantaged sections of society. You can set aside a few hours each week for mentoring (for people just starting their careers) and tutoring (for people going to school or college).
Company managers or those in leadership positions can use their vast expertise to guide a young individual’s life trajectory and help them with opportunities to excel.
Education plays a pivotal role in a child’s formative years; however, not everyone has the same access to educational tools. Giving them the extra push and time might be the difference between a successful adult and someone who struggles.
Mentoring a new joinee or subordinate at the office can be a great way to help people with your knowledge and expertise.
4. Start a Fundraiser
Is there a cause that’s close to your heart? You can spread the word and organise a fundraiser among your employees, as well as ask them to volunteer for the cause. For instance, you can donate warm clothes or meals before Christmas or partner with a local church or food bank to help the less fortunate during the holidays.
You can also spread the word about your fundraiser among clients through your social media platforms and company website. Send out the link to the fundraising page so that people can view the contributions in real time.
5. Embrace Sustainable and Economic Development Projects
Supporting local businesses and artisans is a good way to give back to society. Embracing sustainable practices allows you to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also enables you to give back to the environment.
Supporting small and local businesses shows your clients, partners and the world at large your commitment to lasting social change. Promoting economic stability in your locality helps you foster a positive brand image, a loyal customer relationship and mutual growth.
Sometimes people are looking for a little word of encouragement and guidance, and when you step in to show them the path and offer support, it can be fulfilling for you, but it helps the other person immensely.
Wrapping Up
Some other ways to give back to the community include volunteering time at an old-age home and spending time with the elderly or volunteering at the local animal shelter and contributing towards animal well-being and upkeep.
Organising a plantation drive or a beach or mountain cleanup drive is also a great way to give back as a business.
One good act can have a ripple effect and start a movement. How do you plan on giving back to society?
