CSR Research: Engaging Employees

RESEARCH BRIEF - Corporate giving efforts increase employee commitment and retention intentions. Firms that strategically select their partner organizations, and firms that provide opportunities for employees to interact with the beneficiaries of corporate giving, see the biggest uptick in their employees' attitudes.

RESEARCH BRIEF - When employees perceive a company to have strong corporate citizenship performance, they have greater commitment and pride—and ultimately—stronger job performance.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms that invest in employee relations better positioned to achieve innovation.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Overall, human resource policies that support LGBT employees result in higher firm value, productivity, and profitability. Such diversity & inclusion policies can especially increase firm value and profitability in companies that require highly skilled R&D employees, as well as increase productivity in companies operating within states that lack antidiscrimination laws.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms working to increase women in leadership should ensure they’re offering a number of work-life programs. Women and men are more likely to aspire to leadership positions when their companies offer these initiatives.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms are more diverse and inclusive when they are led by board members that have experience managing human resources activities.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Employees are driven to participate in employee volunteer activities both for professional advancement/career advancement opportunities and for altruistic reasons. While those with previous volunteer experience are most motivated by societal benefits, those who value career advancement are more willing to accept circumstances such as temporary pay cuts.

RESEARCH BRIEF - With the estimated costs of employee turnover estimated to be up to five times the annual salary of the employee, reducing turnover is a significant opportunity for many companies.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Adding women to the board leads to more women at the executive level, and vice versa.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Work-life support practices (work schedule flexibility, remote work, dependent care, etc.) improve employee engagement and increase customer satisfaction.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Employees who recognize how their company adds value for customers and communities to improve the lives of others are more likely to be influenced positively by their companies’ corporate citizenship efforts. Those working to communicate corporate citizenship internally should ensure that language provides context for how every role in the company advances its foundational purpose.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Professionals of color are much more likely to leave their employer if they believe they are being paid unfairly or working in a poor diversity climate.