What's Happening?
A recent report highlights that over 60% of companies have increased collaboration between their HR and corporate citizenship teams over the past three years. Despite this progress, full integration into business and talent strategies remains limited.
The report, conducted by The Conference Board in partnership with E4E Relief, emphasizes the need for companies to position corporate citizenship as a core talent strategy rather than mere philanthropy. The survey of 151 HR and corporate citizenship leaders reveals that collaboration is often limited to volunteering and employee giving, with nearly half of the respondents expecting deeper collaboration in the next three years. The report suggests that aligning culture, talent, and purpose can create measurable business value, but resource and governance gaps pose significant barriers.
Why It's Important?
The integration of HR and corporate citizenship is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance workforce engagement, culture, and retention. By embedding citizenship into talent strategies, companies can demonstrate tangible value to boards, investors, and employees. This approach not only strengthens communities but also builds resilient workforces. The report underscores the importance of developing finance-grade ROI metrics and formal governance models to elevate the partnership. As external forces such as regulatory uncertainty and economic conditions drive collaboration, companies that formalize these efforts into broader strategies will be better equipped to meet rising expectations from employees, investors, and society.
What's Next?
The report suggests that companies should focus on building dual executive sponsorship, institutionalizing metrics, and leveraging regulatory momentum to strengthen governance. Additionally, increasing investment in employee relief programs is anticipated, with 38% of respondents expecting growth in this area over the next three years. Organizations are encouraged to develop internal case studies and peer benchmarks to support the integration of HR and corporate citizenship efforts. As collaboration evolves from good practice to business imperative, companies must prepare to meet the challenges ahead by aligning their strategies with societal and employee expectations.
