It is true that remote work is changing the way we do business. But remote jobs are not just about a new approach to flexibility or the development of new ways of communicating. It clearly redefines the rules of the game in many areas. Take, for example, the CSR requirements it must also meet in a context where physical boundaries are erased and teams dispersed.
Virtual awareness campaigns
Mobilizing employees, sometimes thousands of kilometers apart, is by no means an easy task. The same applies to CSR. But setting up virtual campaigns can go a long way. Online workshops, interactive conferences and regular awareness-raising sessions on key themes such as recycling or diversity help to stimulate teams' thinking on these subjects.
Community challenges
To stimulate employees on CSR issues, why not set up virtual challenges? These will, for example, encourage them to get actively involved in social initiatives. This could involve fund-raising, solidarity challenges or volunteer work for charities and other CSR projects. Even at a distance, mobilizing employees around common CSR objectives will also strengthen team spirit and collective commitment.
Encouraging online volunteering
Being a volunteer and helping out with a CSR project doesn't necessarily mean having to go out into the field. Online platforms such as Volunteer World, WolunteerMatch and Idealist offer everyone the chance to get involved in virtual volunteering. It's now possible to take part in important projects without having to leave home. All you need is a Smartphone, a computer and a good Internet connection. Even when working remotely, it's possible to take an active part in projects in places far from your home base.
Recognition and reward for social commitment
Creating and perpetuating a culture of commitment obviously requires that it be rewarded. In this context, putting in place mechanisms to recognize and reward employees' social commitment is crucial. Such recognition programs will also encourage other team members to get involved in CSR. Indeed, every employee, no matter how geographically dispersed, must be called upon to do his or her bit, whether this involves encouraging individual employees to reduce their personal carbon footprint, or increasing their participation in the collective actions undertaken by the company.
Using reporting tools
To give greater visibility to CSR actions, don't hesitate to use reporting tools. Detailed annual reports and other online dashboards should also be used to highlight the efforts made by remote teams in the field of CSR. They highlight the efforts made and the results achieved. They also serve as a window onto the future, reinforcing transparency and commitment to the causes we support.
Social impact KPIs
To celebrate success, you need to be able to measure the results of your actions. This is also true when approaching the shores of CSR. The definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is therefore essential. These will enable us to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the impact of the CSR actions undertaken by the remote company. These metrics may include: number of participants in initiatives, employee commitment rate, funds raised for social causes, hours of volunteer work carried out, etc.
Feedback and continuous evaluation
CSR actions need to be evaluated on an ongoing basis. To achieve this, feedback from all stakeholders (both internal and external to the organization) is essential. Surveys, evaluation questionnaires or interviews with employees, partners and beneficiaries of the actions undertaken are all ways of monitoring the effectiveness of the policies put in place and adjusting strategies if the results are not commensurate with the efforts made.
The geographical remoteness of teams in no way prevents companies working on a (fully) remote basis from implementing coherent CSR policies. Today's technology makes it possible, and offers them the chance to build on strong, authentic values.