How Corporate Social Responsibility Can Help You Build a Dream Team

If you’re serious about attracting top talent, it’s not just about hitting business goals. It’s about doing good in the community, too. A recent survey across Southeast Asia shows younger workers—especially those under 30—want to work for companies that actively give back.

It’s not just a local trend. According to a study by LinkedIn, nearly 90% of people between 18 and 41 in Europe said they would switch jobs to join a team that better aligns with their values. For companies, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a clear way to show you’re committed to those values, like sustainability and ethical practices.

So, how do you start? One option is making your workplace more sustainable. That might mean reducing your team’s carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy or cutting down on waste. Another approach is to support community initiatives.

Take SAP, for example. The software company teamed up with makesense in the Philippines to run CSR programs focused on community development. In one project, SAP employees volunteered to help at-risk youth improve their job interview skills. It’s a simple, but powerful way to make a difference.

Prioritizing CSR can create a workplace culture that speaks to the values of top talent. And when employees feel connected to a cause, they’re more engaged. That enthusiasm spreads, turning your team into natural advocates for your company. They can help bring other high performers into your network, just by sharing their experience.

At the end of the day, a good salary isn’t enough to future-proof your business. Younger generations want to work for companies that take social and environmental responsibility seriously. But don’t settle for the basics. Think creatively about how CSR can become part of your company’s DNA.

Successful companies, like those highlighted by the Harvard Business Review, don’t just launch CSR programs—they experiment, adapt, and grow based on feedback.

In the end, it’s not just about attracting top talent—it’s about keeping them inspired and motivated!