Corporate Social Responsibility
Starbucks CSR programs and initiatives are led by Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer for the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. CSR initiatives for Starbucks cover wide range of business aspects and employee relationships such as supporting local communities, educating and empowering workers, gender equality and minorities, energy and water consumption, waste reduction etc. CSR Programs and Initiatives Starbucks Supporting Local Communities Starbucks Community Store program aims to assist local non-profit organizations in their efforts to provide education and training to achieve poverty eradication for the young segment of population. The company plans to open 100 Community Stores by the end of 2025. Starbucks has cooperated with non-profit organizations, community leaders and organizational stakeholders to provide more than 520,000 hours of volunteering service around the globe.[1] The global coffeehouse chain runs FoodShare food donation program in all company operated stores in US and Canada. 10.4 million and 1.2 million meals were donated in US and Canada respectively in FY21. Starbucks Educating and Empowering Workers Starbucks College Achievement Plan is an education program that allows employees to obtain online degrees from Arizona State University. Approximately 2500 employees earned their degrees via this program in FY21 alone It has been noted that “at the height of the global financial crisis, when other companies were cutting HR costs wherever they could, Starbucks invested in staff training, including coffee tastings and courses that ultimately qualified for credit at higher education institutions”[2] In FY21 the company oversaw more than 136000 course enrolments in Starbucks Coffee Academy and more than 55,000 course completions since launch. Starbucks and Gender Equality and Minorities At present about 40% of Starbucks US employees are minorities and 65% are women. Among vice presidents, 48% are women and 15% are minorities. The global coffeehouse chain aims to achieve at least 30% BIPOC…
IKEA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts are led by Chief Sustainability Officer, Lena Pripp-Kovac. Furthermore, retail managers at every country are also Corporate Sustainability Officers (CSO). The home improvement and furnishing chain started to research CSR reports under the title People & Planet Positive starting from 2012. IKEA CSR efforts and activities comprise supporting local communities, educating and empowering workers and addressing the issues of gender equality and minorities within the company. Moreover, the global furniture retailer works to reduce its energy consumption and derive energy from alternative sources. Sustainable sourcing represents an additional CSR issue that IKEA aims to address within the scope of its operations. CSR Programs and Initiatives IKEA Supporting Local Communities IKEA Group operates 422 stores in 50 markets around the world.[1] The home improvement and furnishing chain aims to cause positive impact on local communities, where its stores are located. Packing event organized by all IKEA stores in Sweden involved customers and representatives from Save the Children to prepare more than 37,000 welcome backpacks filled with toys and other products for children In UK, IKEA has planted one million trees in communities across the country In Australia, IKEA Perth and IKEA Adelaide employees contribute to the improvement of the environment in which children live and develop. IKEA Educating and Empowering Workers Starting from January 2015, IKEA has introduced a new hourly wage structure that concentrates on the needs of its employees, rather than market standards. The furniture retailer has launched My Learning online system that provides employees at all levels access to face-t-face and digital learning solutions. Employee Health and Safety at IKEA In 2021, the furniture retailer introduced a common solution for reporting incidents and accidents that’s easily accessible for all co-workers The number of accidents at IKEA was reduced by…
McDonald’s CSR is an interesting topic due to the size and scope of the operations of the company. The fast food giant had formulated its 2020 Aspirational Goals that explain the measures of sustainable sourcing of foods and packaging, providing balanced choices to customers, developing and operating environmentally efficient McDonald’s restaurants and supporting local communities to be initiated by the company. By the end of 2020 the fast food giant achieved or substantially achieved the majority of its aspirational goals. The company releases The Good Business Report annually and it includes the details of McDonalds CSR programs and initiatives engaged by the company. McDonald’s Supporting Local Communities McDonald’s claims to be improving the lives of children and their families via the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and other organizations. According to McDonald’s this support addresses the needs such as education and physical activity The company is also proud to support the network of over 260 local chapters of RMHC spanning over 60 countries and regions that creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. In 2020, the fast food chain announced a five-year, USD10390 million commitment to RMHC. McDonald’s Educating and Empowering Workers McDonald’s Hamburger University, founded in 1961, comprises 8 campuses around the world and provides training for McDonald’s Franchisees, managers and employees In Europe, McDonald’s and participating Franchisees have pledged to offer 45,000 apprenticeships by 2025[1] Labour and Human Rights at McDonald’s The company requires its suppliers to adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct. The Code clarifies requirements of McDonald’s about issues related to Human Rights, Environmental Management, Workplace Environment and Business Integrity In 2018, the fast food chain introduced McDonald’s Human Rights Policy, which outlines its commitment to respect its people and their…
Since Amazon went public in 1997, the e-commerce giant has been repeatedly criticized for its lack of commitment on corporate social responsibility aspect of the business. Moreover, Amazon’s first sustainability executive Kara Hartnett Hurst was appointed only in August 2014 , a stark proof that CSR aspect of the business has not been paid due attention to for a long period of time. CSR Programs and Initiatives Amazon Supporting Local Communities In 2020, the e-commerce giant created the Amazon Relief Fund, with a USD25 million initial contribution, focused on supporting its independent delivery service partners and other stakeholders to deal with the negative impact of coronavirus developments on the business. Amazon’s Device Donation Program facilitates the donation of electronic devices and gift cards to schools located near Amazon fulfilment centres throughout the US The company hosts ‘Girls Who Code’ events occasionally to help get more girls interested in coding The e-commerce giant supports local and national nonprofits with cash and product donations. Amazon Educating and Empowering Workers Amazon Career Choice Program pre-pays 95% of tuition for employees to take courses for in-demand fields, such as airplane mechanic or nursing, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Up to date the program has been attended by more than 10000 employees worldwide. Amazon Virtual Contact Centre, allows Amazon’s customer service employees to work from home. The program “Pay to Quit” offers USD 5000 to warehouse workers who quit to encourage employees to take a moment and think about what they really want.[1] Upskilling 2025 is USD 1,2 billion investment project to provide free skills training to U.S. employees. Employee Health and Safety at Amazon Amazon employs 6200 safety professionals worldwide In 2020 due to the risk of COVID-19 coronavirus, the company recommended all of global…
Square CSR programs and initiatives mainly focus on four key priority areas – Climate Action, Social Impact, Employees and Culture, and Corporate Governance. These initiatives are led by Neil Jorgensen, Global Environmental, Social, and Governance Lead at Square. Square Supporting Local Communities Square has invested USD 100 million in minority and underserved communities The financial unicorn assists some local communities in the US to preserve their local culture and deal with other most pressing issues. In many offices there are active volunteer communities, referred to volunteams that undertake various projects to support local communities Square and Gender Equality and Minorities Square invests in employee resource groups such as Black Squares Association, LatinX Community, LGBTQ group, and others in order to create an inclusive environment The majority 54,1% of US employees of The fintech are white people, as illustrated in Figure 1 below: Figure 1 Race and ethnicity of Square Inc. employees in US[1] Energy Consumption by Square Square launched Bitcoin Clean Energy Investment Initiative, USD 10 million investment to help accelerate renewable energy adoption in bitcoin mining. The payments company is planning to evaluate and explore clean energy options, working closely with its key provider partners. Carbon Emissions by Square In 2020 the total carbon footprint for Square totalled to 247,900 tCO2e. The Figure 2 below illustrates the share of carbon emissions by operations: Figure 2 Square Inc. total carbon emissions in 2020[2] The financial services and digital payments company has aimed to be zero carbon for operations by 2030. Other CSR Initiatives and Charitable Donations by Square Leads Program offered to managers at all levels is designed to develop leadership skills and competencies The finance sector disruptor fully pays parental leave globally, caregiving leave to US employees In UK Square partnered with The Entrepreneurial…
Uber corporate social responsibility is attracting a lot of interest among business researchers and practitioners recently. Not paying due attention to CSR aspect of the business has been traditionally one of the weaknesses associated with Uber under previous CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick. The ride-hailing giant has even lost its license to operate in London in 2017 due to the lack of corporate social responsibility[1]. However, under the new CEO Dara Khowrowshahi the company has fully recognized the importance of conducting sustainable business and this change is communicated to internal and external stakeholders systematically. The largest mobility platform in the world has pledged to become a fully zero-emission platform by 2040, with 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micro-mobility Uber CSR Programs and Initiatives Uber and Gender Equality and Minorities The company received the maximum score of 100% on Human Rights Campaign 2020 Corporate Equality Index 59,7% of total workforce are man and 40,3% of all workforce are women. In tech jobs, the majority 76,9% of employees are men, whereas women fill only 23,1% of tech positions Black or African American represent only 7,5% of the total workforce Water Consumption by Uber The global transportation technology company used 699,854 cubic meters of water globally in 2019 Mission Bay campus in San Francisco, USA is estimated to save round 2.5 million gallons of water through re-using the water Carbon Emissions by Uber The company has set a goal that 100% rides in US, Canadian, and European cities will be in electric vehicles (EV) by 2030. Uber Green program is being expanded make it easier for riders to choose to travel in hybrids or EVs The ride-hailing giant is committing USD 800 million in resources to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to EVs…
Tesla CSR programs and initiatives are currently led by Vice President of People Valerie Chapman. Tesla did not pay due attention to social responsibility aspect of the business and did not engage in corporate sustainability reporting for a long time. Although the electric automaker was founded in 2003 and became publicly traded company in 2010, the company released its first CSR report titled Impact Report only in 2018. The alternative fuel vehicles manufacturer has Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team that uses data-driven approach to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in business practices and communities.[1] Tesla produces electric vehicles, energy storage systems and solar panels. These products are perceived to promote environmental sustainability and this perception is effectively integrated into company’s marketing communication message. Tesla CSR Programs and Initiatives Employee Health and Safety at Tesla Production employees are required to participate in a multi-day training program before ever setting foot on the factory floor. Tesla provides zero-cost health care and benefits to full-time employee positions. Employee engagement in health risk reduction measured by employee suggestions, good observations, Find it-Fix it program and continuous improvement ideas have increased from 3,000 engagements in 2017 to almost 23,000 in 2019. Tesla and Gender Equality and Minorities Tesla was recognised as Best Employer for Diversity in 2019 by Forbes The electric car maker attempts to ensure a fair representation of traditionally underrepresented communities among its workforce. As it is illustrated in Figure 1 below, traditionally underrepresented groups amount to the majority 60% at Tesla. Figure 1 Underrepresented communities representation at Tesla US Traditionally underrepresented communities are also present in Director and Vice President positions at Tesla, as illustrated in Figure 2 below. Figure 2 Underrepresented communities in leadership positions at Tesla US Gender representation is an issue at Tesla. Only 21% of US…
Apple corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and initiatives are led by Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environmental Initiatives, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. More than 1 million people work in Apple supplier facilities and as such, the company’s operations have considerable implications on the society. It has to be noted that “Steve Jobs wasn’t known for philanthropy. Some wondered if he made anonymous donations to charity, some criticized him for his lack of public giving, while others defended him”[1]. However, with Tim Cook assuming Apple leadership in 2011, the focus on CSR aspect of the business has increased to a considerable extent. Tim Cook is a member of Paulson Institute’s CEO Council for Sustainable Urbanization, working with other CEOs of top Chinese and Western companies to advance sustainability in China. Apple Supporting Local Communities In Oregon, USA, Apple partners with Bluestone Natural Farms to transform compostable materials generated onsite into rich organic material for use on the farm. The tech giant launched a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar project at an educational premise for disadvantaged children in Philippines. The company added 50-kilowatt solar power system and a 260-kilowatt-hour battery to supply clean electricity to off-grid fishing community in Thailand. Apple Educating and Empowering Workers The multinational technology company provided training courses to about 4 million people since 2008. The tech giant has competitive employee benefits practices. For example, expectant mothers can take up to four weeks before a delivery and up to 14 weeks after a birth, while fathers and other non-birth parents are eligible for up to six weeks of parental leave. Apple suppliers paid back USD 32.2 million recruitment fees to their 36,599 employees since 2008. Labour and Human Rights at Apple Apple enforces The Supplier Code of Conduct that is claimed to be the toughest in the electronics industry.…
Grainger CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs and initiatives aim to address the issues of social awareness, environmental factors and ethical labour practices while promoting a greener, more culturally conscious attitude to both peers and customers. Grainger CSR Advisory Council has the mission of providing strategic awareness and encouraging transparency. Moreover, the global industrial supply company has CSR Working Group that leads programs to promote CSR goals. The company began using the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Reporting Standards in 2016 and, since 2017, has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.[1] The B2B distributor offers more than 100,000 environmentally friendly products that help customers reduce energy consumption, conserve water, reduce waste and improve indoor air quality. [2] In 2018 the company was included in the top 10 placement in Barron’s “List of 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies” for the second time. Grainger Supporting Local Communities Hundreds of Grainger employees volunteered 8500 hours in local communities throughout the US in 2018 Members of Grainger workforce also help communities devastated by natural disasters worldwide In 2018, the global industrial supply company donated more than USD120,000 worth of products to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led group that helps communities worldwide get back on their feet after disasters. Grainger Educating and Empowering Workers All employees have completed Business Conduct Guidelines Training In 2017 the company provided 154 Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarships to employees in 85 participating colleges Grainger invested more than USD 4,5 million in employee education and development since 2006 Employee Health and Safety at Grainger Lost time incident rate per 100 employees decreased from 0,4 in 2017 to 0,3 in 2018 Total recordable incident rate per 100 employees totalled to 1,4 in 2017 and 2018 Grainger and Gender Equality and Minorities In total 38% of all workforce in…
Airbnb corporate social responsibility is closely associated with business model of the travel industry disruptor. It can be argued that travelling via Airbnb instead of hotels results in significant reduction in energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, and encourages more sustainable practices among both hosts and guests. CSR Programs and Initiatives Airbnb Supporting Local Communities Airbnb employees receive four hours of paid time off every month to volunteer in their local communities.[1] Global Citizenship Champion program launched in 2013 involves organizing charitable contributions to causes important to their local communities in 20 cities around the world Champions within the scope of Global Citizenship Champion program completed more than 17000 hours of service in 2016. Airbnb runs Open Homes program that provides homes for free to those affected by conflict, disaster, or critical illness. The program has helped more than 25,000 people in need to find temporary housing and in 2019 the company is investing USD 20 million to grow the platform. Airbnb aims to house 100,000 people by 2022.[2] Airbnb and Gender Equality and Minorities Diversity is one of the core values at Airbnb. 48.94% and 43.85% of employees are female, globally and in the US respectively. The figure 10 below illustrates race and ethnicity representation at Airbnb in the US. Ethnicity representation at Airbnb in the US Airbnb has “Diverse Candidate Slates” rule. For every open position, women and underrepresented minorities must be included on candidate slates before those slates are presented to hiring managers and the manager is allowed to proceed with filling the position.[3] The peer-to-peer lodging company has a wide range of Airfinity groups that create more awareness and advocacy around the issues employees value. Airfinity employee groups include Able@ for employees with disabilities, AirPride@ for LGBTQ people, Asians@, Black@, Foreignairs@, Juntos@,…
September 24, 2019
By John Dudovskiy
Category: Corporate Social Responsibility
Tags: hospitality, IT