How Does Your Distributed Company Incorporate CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations. Many of us have likely participated in employers CSR programs—taking the afternoon off to clean up the local beach, volunteering at a soup kitchen or shelter. It feels good to help your local community and give back, and it’s certainly a team bonding experience. And from a public relations perspective, looks great.

But, what if your company is distributed. How do you get everyone involved in  CSR programs? Not everyone can fly to one location, for example, to build a house for Habitat for Humanity, or participate in an ASL Charity Walk.

According to Global Workplace Analytics, telecommuting and virtual work has grown by 102.1 percent between 2005 and 2014. With this change in the workforce, it’s imperative companies include and engage all employees from various locations across the world.

Summit CPA Group, a 100% distributed company with employees living all over the USA in cities like Orlando, Fort Wayne, Hermosa Beach, Colorado Springs, and Flint.  Being 100% distributed doesn’t stop Summit CPA Group from incorporating a strong corporate culture that includes a very personalized CSR program. Annually, Summit CPA Group provides each employee $100. Employees choose to donate to any local non-profit of their choice. Summit CPA Group Co-Founder Jody Grunden says, “It’s important that each team member feels that they can contribute positively and do good in their local communities and support the specific cause(s) that are near and dear to their hearts.”

Some of the non-profits they choose to donate include: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, Boys Scouts/Girl Scouts, Central Missouri Diabetic Children’s Camp, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Why is a customized CSR program important? One team member said, “CPA firms can become so focused on staff productivity that they forget we have lives outside of work.  This CSR program is reminder that Summit CPA Group cares about who we are outside of the office and supports our interests."

Another team member shared that, “Last year Summit CPA Group supported my daughter's Girl Scout troop. I was pleased to have my employer support the same efforts that my daughter and the rest of the family worked.  The funds went to the local troop and helped reached the troop's fundraising goal, and of course my daughter communicated to her friends that her mommy's work had contributed. My daughter asked why Summit CPA Group was contributing and I proudly responded that they support their employees in endeavors outside of work.  She replied, "If I ever have a business I am going to do the same."”

How does your distributed company incorporate CSR?