Although the first mention of Corporate Social Responsibility (or CSR, as we will call it from now on) dates to the decade of the ’60s, it is only recently that companies have started to incorporate CSR into their agenda.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility is “a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. CSR is generally understood as being the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives (the “triple bottom line”) while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders”, according to UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
In simpler words, CSR is how companies manage their business to produce positive impacts on society. But it is not just about philanthropy, it should be about the core of the business and covers sustainability, social impact and ethics.
In recent years companies are embracing this trend and finding the right balance of the above-mentioned “triple bottom line” inside their organisations, but also outside them, having a positive impact on their local communities.
It is possible to include CSR in your corporate events, regardless if it is a conference, an incentive trip, a meeting or any other business event you could imagine. There are different levels of engagement, but the ultimate goal is to have a lasting impact on the community, not just a temporary patch. In Meridional Events we help you with all CSR events – we work with local suppliers and know how to really impact on all levels.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Andalusia
There are different alternatives for your CSR event, that can be adapted to suit your needs or your area of interest. You could focus on the environment and work on reforestation, cleaning the banks of a river or a beach and even building nests for birds. In Meridional Events, we are experts in creating fun CSR events. We will prepare a collection challenge to see which group picks up more waste, plants more trees or finishes earlier to clear their space. It also works as a team building activity, that will improve the team atmosphere, as well as having a positive impact on the environment.
Also, you could aim at a local community – children, elderly, ethnic minority or any other collective you would like to help. In this case, building bicycles, organising a treasure hunt where canned items or school supplies are won and then donated, or donating all the food prepared during a cooking challenge are some of the actions that can be considered for your CSR event. Another idea, when you do not have many hours to spare on a specific action, is to support a chosen charity during your corporate event, and bid or donate on their behalf.
The economy of a community could also be improved by employing vulnerable members of the society, or choosing suppliers that work with disabled people, or with ethnic minorities. There are many ways you could contribute and help with your event. In Meridional Events DMC we always work with suppliers that work towards impacting the local communities and work towards equality of all types.
If you want to include Corporate Social Responsibility features or experiences during your next corporate event, Meridional Events is here to help you. We will create a tailor-made CSR event that, not only will impact the local community, but also will help your team to build strong links both with the company and the workmates.
Meridional Events is your local DMC in Andalusia and Southern Spain. We organise your MICE and Corporate events, including business meetings, incentive trips, team building events and golf in Malaga, Marbella, Seville, Granada and the Costa del Sol. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
The team at Meridional Events
#MeetingsWithAPurpose
