Debunking The Top 5 CSR Myths
As CSR professionals, we know the positive impact social good can have on our colleagues, our communities, and our organisations. Yet, despite clear benefits, corporate social impact is still shrouded in misconception.
Leadership wonders about the ROI. Stakeholders assume that it’s a one-off activation. Even we, the key drivers of CSR, worry about how many of our colleagues will engage with our programmes. These myths surface in boardrooms, on social media, and even in our own conversations – but how many of them actually hold up?
It’s time to set the record straight once and for all. Here are some of the most common CSR myths – and the truth behind them.
Myth #1 – There is no ROI in CSR
One of the biggest misconceptions about CSR is that it’s an additional expense without any measurable return. But studies show that companies with strong CSR programmes can see up to a 4-6% increase in market value and up to 20% higher revenue. What’s more? Businesses that integrate social impact into their core values and operations also benefit from stronger brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, reduced turnover, and more engaged employees – all of which positively impact your bottom line.
Myth #2 – CSR is Just “Good PR”.
With so many instances of greenwashing and vague impact claims, it’s easy to see CSR as a “quick fix” designed to help companies improve their image. The thing is, when approached meaningfully, CSR can actually be a strategic tool that aligns your organisation’s operations with the needs and values of its employees and stakeholders.
Myth #3 – CSR and philanthropy are the same thing.
Despite making considerable shifts in the corporate space, many UK businesses still equate social impact with one-off charitable donations. While philanthropy can be a component of CSR, this type of contribution is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. True CSR requires accountability, long-term commitment, and a strategy that extends to every facet of a company’s operations. This means looking at the impact of your products, fostering inclusivity in your workplace, and engaging meaningfully with your community and stakeholders.
Myth #4 – Employees don’t care if you offer CSR programmes.
We’ve all experienced it. That brief pause just before sending out a volunteering sign-up request where we wonder, “Will this activity resonate with my colleagues?” The good news is today’s employees – especially Gen Z – want and expect social impact opportunities. In fact, 79% of employees who engage in volunteering report higher job satisfaction. Of course, the question is how do you ensure your colleagues engage with your programme? The key is making every impact opportunity meaningful. Instead of offering generic impact opportunities, involve your staff in shaping your programmes – because when social impact aligns with their skills, values, and interests, they’re more likely to take part.
Myth #5 – Managing social impact programmes is complicated and time-consuming.
The final, and arguably biggest, barrier to CSR adoption is the belief that measuring and managing impact is complex and cumbersome. But it doesn’t have to be!
By trading manual processes for CSR software, you can easily automate and manage your entire CSR programme from a single platform, including campaign creation, volunteer registration, grant applications, donation tracking, and impact reporting.
So, what’s next? Well, debunking these myths is just the first step. As social impact leaders, we have the power to challenge outdated perspectives – shifting CSR from an expense to investment, from philanthropy to strategy, and from an obligation to an opportunity. In doing so, we can effectively advocate for CSR as a key driver of business growth and engagement.
Ready to shift perspectives about CSR at your organisation? Get in touch! We’d love to help you boost your impact and drive change within your team, your community, and your organisation.