CSR activity matters for Indian employees: Survey

NEW DELHI: Employees in India have one of the highest regards for corporate social responsibility as more than half of the employees in the country are concerned about companies' behaviour towards society, says a survey.

The Ipsos survey of 24 nations showed that workers in emerging market economies are much more concerned about their employers' responsibility towards the society than the developed nations.

The feelings on corporate responsibility were highest in Brazil (65 per cent), Mexico (59 per cent), Argentina (57 per cent), Indonesia (55 per cent) and India (51 per cent), the survey said.

In contrast, in Japan and France less than 20 per cent of workers felt the same way, and in Spain, Belgium, Germany, South Korea and China the number was less than 30 per cent.

In other developed nations it ranged from 30 per cent in Britain and 32 per cent in the United States to 35 per cent in Australia and 37 per cent in Canada.

"The key message that comes out of the survey is that companies can't neglect corporate social responsibility. Employees believe it is important for their employers to be a responsible corporate citizen for being respected as a socially responsible organisation," said Biswarup Banerjee, Head of Marketing Communication and in charge of CSR for Ipsos in India.

Banerjee added that "CSR is a vital tool to boost business and employee morale, it brings in a sense of pride in the organisation, engenders teamwork and is a source of inspiration and connectedness."

In addition, seven in 10 (67 per cent) Indians think that companies should pay more attention to the environment and more than half (58 per cent) Indians expect companies should do more to contribute towards the society, the study said.

Interestingly, though, only 45 per cent Indians said they will consider a company's commitment towards social responsibility when forming a decision about buying a product or service.

Globally, three most important things companies must do to be respected, according to the Ipsos poll, are: prioritise workplace safety, contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country, and abide by local laws and rights.