The Role of Health in Corporate Social Responsibility

Posted by Tracey Lloyd Sep 12, 2009

Corporate social responsibility requires that businesses consider the implications of their operations on the world - one social implication of business operations is the health and wellbeing of employees.

Many jurisdictions have a legal requirement that businesses provide a safe workplace for employees. However meeting this basic requirement is not enough for corporate social responsibility initiatives. Expanding safety programs and implementing a workplace health promotion program is a way to provide additional health benefits for employees and provide corporate social responsibility outcomes for businesses.

Mental health has important social implications, in terms of social status, employment and quality of life. With adequate supports, there is no reason why employees experiencing mental illness cannot remain as valued members of a workplace.

Ensuring that all human resources practices are ethical is an important step towards valuing the human capital of a business. This provides benefits for employee health and wellbeing in terms of job satisfaction and engagement.

The benefits for businesses of implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve employee health include increased production, decreased costs relating to sick leave, and greater employee satisfaction and decreased turnover.

*******************************

New Resource for Workplace Health Promotion

The British Heart Foundation has released a new website focusing on workplace health promotion programs. Health at Work is full of tips and advice on implementing workplace health promotion programs including eating and physical activity challenges to try.

*******************************

If you would like a question on corporate social responsibility answered, please send it to me