| | DECEMBER 202519three financial years. For all projects having a budget of 1 crore or more, companies had to get an impact assessment done by an independent agency. This ensured that CSR activities were strategically planned, implemented and assessed with greater rigor, resulting in the desired social outcomes.SoulAce's recent studies, based on over 100 impact assessments each in healthcare, education and water CSR projects, highlight the positive impact of CSR on diverse geographies from urban centers to far-flung rural corners of the country.The government has also made CSR a Board-driven process. Besides approving the CSR policy, the Board has to disclose the contents of the policy in its report, and has to ensure that it is available on the company's website. The Board is also directly responsible for ensuring that the activities included in the CSR policy are undertaken by the company. These changes have put the spotlight on CSR as a matter of policy and commitment with transparency and impact at the heart of these initiatives.How Business Leaders Can Drive CSRCEOs and Directors on the Boards of companies have a unique opportunity to make CSR more impactful by aligning it with the company's brand purpose and core business values. When senior leadership treats CSR as a strategic priority tied to long-term objectives, it reinforces the organization's commitment to sustainability, community development, and inclusive growth. By actively leading social impact efforts, CEOs can foster cross-functional collaboration and turn CSR into a driver of innovation, talent retention, and risk management--creating shared value for both society and shareholders.Today, many CSR strategies still follow budget cycles and broad thematic trends. To be truly effective, they must connect ambitious sustainability goals with the real needs of communities. This means embracing adaptive approaches that prioritize local partnerships, participatory planning, and continuous on-ground feedback.Purpose is the New Perk: Harnessing CSR & Volunteering for Employee EngagementCSR today is driven by a growing demand from consumers, investors, and employees for ethical and sustainable practices. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, prefer to work with brands that align with the core values of giving back to society. They are more likely to support businesses that show commitment to social impact, fair trade, diversity, and environmental stewardship.A recent study revealed that the meaningfulness of work is one of the top factors driving employee retention and the absence of it contributes significantly to attrition.HR leaders have a major role to play in shaping the culture and fostering a purpose-driven workplace. A well-structured employee volunteering program can boost employee morale, and engagement, strengthen team collaboration, and enhance the company's reputation. The chances of employees feeling connected to their company mission are high when engaged in corporate volunteering as it brings a sense of belonging and job satisfaction.Employee volunteering significantly enhances engagement, teamwork, and overall well-being. According to a study that 96 percent of companies report that employees who volunteer are more engaged, 94 percent of volunteers report improvement in their people skills, 93percent of volunteers experience a boost in mood and overall well-being and 93percent of employees who volunteer feel more satisfied with their employer.SoulAce is on a mission to help organizations create a culture of employee volunteering. We work closely with CSR and HR leaders to curate, plan and implement volunteering programs across diverse locations.As employee volunteering ties back to the ESG goals, it becomes imperative for business leaders to create avenues for employees to give back to the communities they work with. CEOs can strongly support their company's commitment to sustainable and ethical growth by championing transparent reporting, deeper commitment to CSR and leveraging the power of volunteering to retain talent and build a formidable brand.When CEOs lead from the front, CSR moves from a peripheral activity to a catalyst for ESG success. By making CSR data-driven and outcome-oriented, leadership ensures it drives long-term value, not just compliance.
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