Why Employee Engagement as an Initiative is important for ESG/CSR?

"Happy the place, happier the employees"

Indeed, the above phrase captures the significant impact of a positive work environment on employee well-being and satisfaction. However, since the beginning of 2020, when the pandemic hit, the landscape of work life has undergone a significant transformation. The pandemic brought about layoffs, resignations, and a sense of dissatisfaction among employees. Limited social interaction during work from home led the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

It was high time for the organizations to realize the need to keep their employees satisfied. It became important to take care of employee well-being, both physical and mental. Most organizations have introduced or expanded wellness programs, providing resources and support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, promoting mental health, and addressing the overall well-being of their employees. They started aligning their ESG & CSR programs with their employees' values.

Why employee engagement is important for ESG/CSR?

ESG, stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. While organizations often focus on the environmental and governance dimensions, it is equally important to address the social aspect and consider the needs and interests of internal and external stakeholders. Working in an inclusive environment and striving towards a meaningful social goal can have a positive impact on employee well-being, reducing work-related health issues.

The synergy between employee engagement and ESG performance not only strengthens the company's overall sustainability efforts but also enhances employee satisfaction, motivation, and employee retention, boosting morale, and fostering higher levels of productivity within the organization.

It’s important to strategically align the employee engagement activities with the organization's ESG/CSR goals.

By aligning this, corporate can create a cohesive narrative that connects employee engagement efforts with the broader sustainability agenda.

Engaged employees contribute to better business outcomes, customer satisfaction, innovation, talent attraction, and resilience. As a result, organizations with well-engaged employees stand out in the market. Also, employees to the outer world act as brand ambassadors of the organization. Employers with employee engagement practices build a positive employer brand. It becomes an influential factor for potential employees when considering job opportunities.

ESG/CSR, employee engagement, and NGOs

Employee engagement goes beyond mere job satisfaction. It encompasses the emotional connection, commitment, and enthusiasm employees have toward their work and the organization. Dedicated and motivated employees usually align with the company's mission and values. Nowadays employee engagement has become part of an organization's mission. It's an effort that requires continuous attention and investment from organizations.

Organizations can facilitate their employee engagement activities through NGOs. By this organizations can strengthen their commitment to social impact, enhance employee engagement, and contribute to the greater good. Some ways through which employees can engage with NGOs and their programs:

1. Volunteer Programs: Employees can contribute their time and skills to NGOs. This could involve activities such as mentoring programs, or skills-based volunteering where employees can utilize their professional expertise.
2. Online Donation Drive: Corporate can facilitate employee participation in donation drives and fundraising campaigns for NGOs. This could include matching employee donations, or providing platforms for employees to contribute financially to causes supported by NGOs.
3. Payroll Giving: Also known as employee giving, is a voluntary charitable giving program that allows employees to donate a portion of their salary directly to NGOs for their different causes.
4. Partnership and Collaboration: Corporate can establish partnerships and collaborations with NGOs to work on joint initiatives that align with their ESG and CSR objectives. By actively engaging in partnerships, employees have the opportunity to participate in meaningful initiatives and witness the impact of their collective efforts.
5. Entertainment and engaging activities: NGOs can engage corporate employees in a range of activities that provide them with opportunities to directly interact with beneficiaries and make an impact. These can give a meaningful experience to employees.

In today's competitive world, corporate that aim to excel must embrace the philosophy of employee engagement.?