Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key strategic issue for all organisations today. In this context, many initiatives are being implemented to generate a positive impact in relation to their activities. While environmental, energy, and carbon-related aspects are often highlighted, one crucial pillar is frequently overlooked: employment. Yet, employment is a fundamental component of any CSR approach and can be driven by businesses of all sizes, from micro-enterprises and SMEs to mid-sized companies and large corporations.
Employment: a major driver of inclusion at the heart of value creation
As a driver of inclusion, specialisation, and professional development, employment plays a vital role in enabling individuals to grow, fulfil their potential, and contribute collectively to meaningful projects. In this sense, companies have a key role to play in fostering employment and placing the well-being and development of their employees at the core of their governance.
Combining local presence with regional economic growth
Businesses are active participants in local life, serving as anchors that stabilise teams and support the development of their regions. Hiring new employees is important, but hiring locally carries even greater significance, as it helps stimulate an entire regional economy. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to unite an entire ecosystem and enhance the attractiveness of local communities.
Creating an environment conducive to talent development
Attracting and retaining committed employees over the long term is often a real challenge for recruiters, particularly in competitive industries such as the digital sector. In this regard, regional locations can play a crucial role, providing businesses with strategic advantages to offer employees highly attractive working and living conditions compared to major urban centres. This factor is especially relevant for younger generations, who increasingly prioritise quality of work life and extra-professional environment as key considerations in their job search.
Leveraging the benefits of local ecosystems
Finally, it is also worth noting that for employers and entrepreneurs, choosing to establish their business in a regional area can provide access to various support mechanisms to launch and accelerate their activities, such as incubators, loans, and employment support schemes. All these factors serve as powerful accelerators for growth, development, and local employment.
Given these considerations, CSR and employment are therefore intrinsically linked.
By Toan NGUYEN, President of Shortways
