It’s fair to say this one’s been tricky to write. Not because the topic is difficult, but because I’ve been trying to find a way to talk about what we do without it sounding too virtuous, preachy or self-congratulatory. A cursory glance through your LinkedIn feed shows you plenty of things like that so you don’t need one from me!
That said, there is something in all this that is worth sharing.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR for short). It could certainly be viewed as a bit of a corporate hot potato, but what does it actually mean?
I’d guess it means something different to each of us. It’s a broad term that can cover everything from environmental targets to how companies behave towards their people and communities.
So, let’s just call it what it is: giving something back.
That said, it appears that many companies view CSR as sending a cheque as part of a box ticking exercise that absolves them completely from doing anything else!
For me, it’s simpler than that, it’s about doing the right thing when you can.
It is something we have always tried to do, because it feels like the right and responsible thing to do rather than a strategic policy. Maybe it’s because of the kind of work we’re in, maybe it’s the people we meet along the way, but we’ve always tried to help the charities and organisations that support the same communities we do. We all know very well that anyone suffering from any form of disability has a terribly tough time but the difference between the “haves” (those with the benefit of a claim) and the “have nots” (those without the benefit of a claim) is colossal.
This is why, wherever possible, we try to offer whatever practical help that we can.
I was at an event recently for a charity we have been helping. Someone there asked me, “Why are you helping us? What’s in it for you?”
They’re a small team, doing incredible work with not much resource but a lot of passion. I’ve been offering a bit of my time and drafted colleagues in to help too, shared ideas, a bit of strategy, contacts and generally acting as a sounding board. It just felt like the right thing to do. Does there have to be anything in it for us?
That conversation got me thinking more about what philanthropy means for a business like ours. If you’re a big corporate, CSR might mean a department, a budget and a long list of initiatives. For a smaller business, I think it’s more personal.
Perhaps, it’s not really about how much you give financially, maybe it’s about how much you give of yourself.
At PLG we’ve got a good mix of people with skills that can help others. Of course, we donate money when we can, it makes a difference and it’s often what charities need most. But where possible, we also like to get involved practically. Giving a bit of time, sharing some experience or lending a hand can often have a much bigger impact.
Our team finds it rewarding, and it often ties in with what we already do – helping people rebuild their lives. But more than that, it makes the support real and personal.
It’s often said that the most valuable thing you can give anyone isn’t money or gifts, it’s time. Time shows people that you think they matter.
At the end of the day, I don’t think philanthropy needs to be complicated or grand. It’s not about photo opportunities or patting ourselves on the back. It’s just about doing what you can, when you can, and meaning it.
We’re not perfect at it, but we’re trying to make giving back part of how we work, not just something we talk about.
Imagine the incredibly good work that could be done if everyone just gave an hour of their time occasionally, once a month or even once a week? With the huge amount of knowledge and expertise across this whole arena I am convinced that a small contribution of time and knowhow made by just a few could certainly make a massive difference to a huge number of individuals and organisations.
Maybe this note sparks a little interest and motivates someone to think differently. Maybe others can use it as a talking point.
It would be lovely if they did. because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that helping a little can really mean a lot.
