Role of Human Resource Professionals in Implementation of CSR Projects: Some Observations

Abstract

Human resource professionals have a major role to play to help a company achieve its corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives. They have the tools and the opportunity to leverage employee commitment to, and engagement in, the firm’s CSR strategy. Although HRM oversees employee-related aspects, CSR helped to develop socially responsible practices. CSR inspired HRM, key HR aspects, namely health–well-being, gender equality–diversity, work–life balance and training–development can be addressed from the CSR perspective. CSR can contribute to long term, sustainable HR solutions. Integrating CSR and HRM promotes responsible people practices. There is emerging evidence that if effectively implemented, CSR can have considerable impact in motivating, developing and retaining staff. People prefer to work for companies that make a difference; corporate values, infused with CSR, generate conscience. A strong employer brand aligned with employee values and concerns is becoming recognised as one of the best ways of retaining talent with employees proud to work for a business that is highly regarded. As management plays an important role in understanding and delivering on key CSR objectives, it is vital to make CSR an integral part of management training programmes. As CSR increasingly becomes part of the business agenda in future, it will become a natural agenda for the HR practitioner.