It was a rainy morning in the city of Noida as people were waking up to rain and honking traffic. A stray dog–which was afterward called Chintu–was huddling wetly and shivering under the awning of a glass-fronted office building. The majority of the workers rushed by with their umbrellas raised and their heads down regarding their phones. However, that day, something happened. One of the teams of the HR department, seized by a new CSR program in their company, halted. They gave Chintu something to eat, phoned a local animal protection association, and got the ball rolling that would shake their whole organization.
It is more than a sentimental story. It is a look at how the corporate social responsibility (CSR) envelope can be expanded beyond the mainstream and penetrate into the lives of animals, and in the process, change the places of work.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility, commonly known as CSR, refers to a company’s commitment to conduct its business processes in a manner that generates a positive net social impact. CSR has traditionally emphasized environmental sustainability, education, and human welfare. The definition has, however, expanded in recent years. The importance of animal welfare as an integral component of a comprehensive CSR strategy is increasingly recognized today.
Why? Since animals are an invisible yet crucial constituent member of our societies. When a technology firm in Bangalore tied up with a local animal care shelter, it was not merely fulfilling a CSR checklist. The employees volunteered in the shelter, collected money, and even fostered pets. The result? A more internalized sense of meaning in the workplace and a tangible, healthy difference in the neighborhood.
Why Animals Matter in CSR
Just imagine that the city construction site is where a litter of puppies is found, and their mother is nowhere to be seen. The workers do not know what to do and call a local NGO. The nature of that NGO, Earthlings Trust, is to appeal to a local business. The business not only covers the cost of care for the pups but also brings employees to their site. Immediately, details of the progress of these puppies start flying around the office. Photos and updates are being shared across the organization by employees who have never communicated. The dogs are adopted, and the business gains a sense of community within the company.
Animal welfare programs prove to be special in that they unite individuals. They make us empathetic, build common ground, and bring to our attention that we are all connected. To companies, this means happier groups, improved locality, and a kindly workplace society.
The Business Case for Supporting Animal Welfare
In addition to the emotional appeal behind heartwarming CSR stories, animal welfare is a good commercial argument to put as part of CSR.
- Employee Engagement: Further, benefit sharing companies contributing to animal causes supposedly become more morale-boosting and retain workers. When workers observe that their organization is interested in things other than making a profit, they take pride in belonging to something bigger.
- Brand Image: People are attracted to brands that express compassion. Companies that take a position against animal cruelty create a favorableÂ
- Animal Welfare Projects: Animal welfare projects may include local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), schools, and residents. The partnerships have the potential to lead to fresh business ventures and goodwill.
Consider the case of one of the most successful FMCG companies that introduced an anti-shopping initiative, Adopt, Not to Shop. They were not only able to find dozens of animals new homes but also saw a significant increase in hits on their social media. The workers were posting how they adopted online, and the reputation of the company as a compassionate organization was further consolidated.
How Companies Can Make a Difference
Promoting animal welfare does not need a huge budget and a team of CSR. The following are the ways that businesses can include themselves:
- Give back through NGOs: It is always possible to find a corporation that would like to partner with an NGO, e.g., Earthlings Trust. The firms are able to fund rescue missions or even give funds for medical camps and adoption drives.
- Host Awareness Events: Ask animal welfare specialists to give a talk at your workplace. Conduct talks on responsible pet ownership and the care of street animals.
- Volunteer Days: Offer employees the opportunity to spend a day at a shelter. They are not only rewarding but team-building gold, as well.
- Adoption Drives: Hold functions where the staff (and even customers) can interact with animals in need of homes. The effect is boosted by sharing success stories both within an organization and on social media.
Earthlings Trust: The CSR Journey Began
It began as a simple act of feeding a few starving stray dogs, which soon became one of the greatest missions, one that soon became a home to hundreds of animals in need. In the initial years, the Earthlings Trust consisted of nothing more than a mere parcel of land along the banks of the Yamuna in Noida. The founders battled on with little resources and a small troop of animal-loving friends, constructing flood-proof kennels, a kitchen, and a BB space, usually with their own savings. The mission was obvious: all animals should have a safe place, regardless of age, illness, or abandonment.
When the news got around, community and company sponsorship started to increase. The open model of work and sincere commitment by Earthlings Trust appealed to local companies that aimed to make a real difference by including the organization as a part of their CSR activities. These initial alliances were game-changers not only to the animals but also to the companies as well. The employees went to the shelter, assisted in the rescue, and personally witnessed great change caused by their contribution.
Today, Earthlings Trust is among the largest privately run animal shelters in Delhi-NCR. The organization has provided shelter to dogs that have been rescued, rehabilitated, and placed in homes, benefiting tens of thousands of dogs. Our experience serves to confirm that when a society adopts a good deed, whatever it may be in the corporate world, a legacy of empathy will reign forever.
FAQs
How can small businesses contribute to animal welfare through CSR?
Small businesses are able to make great impacts despite limited resources. Campaign awareness, sponsor animal adoption, or contribute some of the money towards a local shelter.
Is supporting animal welfare good for a company’s brand?
Yes, the new generation of consumer values brands that display care not only to their fellow humans but also to all living things. Animal welfare: If you support animal welfare, this improves your image and creates a relationship of trust.
What’s the first step for a company interested in animal welfare CSR?
Call a local NGO you can trust, such as Earthlings Trust. Begin with a small project, analyze its impact, and grow out of it. It is the first step toward a difference-maker journey.
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