Corporate social responsibility (often abbreviated as CSR) isn’t a term used much in veterinary medicine, but the concept certainly exists. The vast majority of veterinary practices give back to their communities in one way or another, and most practices have a strong belief in a responsibility to actively contribute to the health and quality of life of those communities and encourage our employees to do the same.”
There are many different definitions of CSR and many different types of initiatives and ways they are implemented in different kinds of businesses and different countries. The concept is broad and can include efforts related to human rights, health and safety, the environment, working conditions, economic development and, of course, animal welfare.
Veterinary hospitals participate in a large range of community and charitable activities for example:
- Pet rescue and adoption
- In-house pet foster care
- Free educational events for pet owners
- Participation in local career fairs
- Providing clinic tours to schools, youth groups, and community groups
- Hosting a low cost or no cost spay/neuter clinic
- Hosting a low cost or no cost vaccine clinic
- Offers a charitable fund to help pet owners with limited resources
- Support local organizations’ fundraising events
- Provide employees with paid time off to volunteer
- Provide supplies and/or services for disaster relief
Small businesses often contribute back to the community just because they think it is the right thing to do. While this is true of some larger companies as well, bigger entities have also started to recognize that social responsibility is a good business strategy. Customers prefer to do business with companies who give back.
According to one report, 2017 Cone Communications Study, 87-92% of customers say that when a company supports a social or environmental issue, they:
- Have a more positive image of the company
- Would be more likely to trust the company
- Would be more loyal to the company
Eighty-nine percent of consumers are likely to switch brands to one that is associated with a good cause, given a similar price and quality. Eighty-seven percent said they would purchase a product because the company stood up for or advocated for an issue they cared about, 88% also say they would stop buying a company’s products if they learned of their irresponsible or deceptive business practices.
There is also a strong feeling in the business world (and many studies to support this feeling) that it has become increasingly important to employees to work for companies that give back. This is especially true for millennials.
CSR is becoming an ever increasing issue. While your practice may be doing this for the best reason—because it’s the right thing to do—there isn’t any reason not to tell the world. Pet owners and potential employees want to know!
For whatever reason the practice gives back; make sure you do it right. Be transparent and honest about what you do. Recognize that consumers and employees want to know that your motives are authentic.
Review the full report, VHMA's Insiders' Insight Report, January 2019, to see what practice managers have to say.
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