Employee volunteering (or in English: employee of corporate volunteering ) means that employees of a company or organization make their time and/or knowledge and expertise available to society without any selfless obligation: at a social organization, charity, non-profit or with people who could use some help. This can be done in many different ways, as you can see on this page. But the social stock exchange that is often organized in a municipality is also a way to give something back. On the website of MVO Nederland you can find even more examples. On NLvoorelkaar you can find all the social issues and requests for help from people that are currently playing a role and you can easily choose what you want to commit yourself to.

MBO, CSR and MVO are all terms that relate to social involvement and commitment of companies.

In Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a company makes its employees or facilities available without financial consideration, makes a financial contribution or uses its promotional channels and networks to increase awareness of a social issue or promote an ideal goal. They show commitment to social issues in the company's environment.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is often used as a synonym in the Netherlands, but it goes a step further. It is a new integral vision of entrepreneurship in which the entrepreneur, in addition to striving for profit (profit), also takes into account the effect of the activities on the environment (planet) and in which the entrepreneur has an eye for human aspects inside and outside the company (people). This is about finding a balance between these three P's. A well-known example is the ASN bank.

CSR stands for 'Corporate Social Responsibility' and is therefore the English version of CSR.

The biggest characteristic difference between CSR and MBO is the aspect of profitability. CSR is about the entire business operation, but making profit is still central. This is not the case with MBO activities: it is often separate from the normal activities and profit is therefore not an issue. Another difference between CSR and MBO is the way in which they create external value in society. CSR adds value by making a structural change in the business structure. This therefore falls within the primary processes of the organization.

CSR or corporate social responsibility has several positive effects. It contributes to the financial performance of a company. You respond to market demand and get more motivated and healthier employees. Setting a good example often works wonders for your image, reputation and therefore your turnover. Did you know that there is a tax advantage for CSR activities ( WKR scheme - read more information here )? Sometimes CSR is also imposed from outside: for example by the government or a buyer. CSR can therefore also help with access to financing.

There are many different types of corporate social responsibility. From employee volunteering to climate-neutral production.

In general, corporate social responsibility initiatives are classified as follows:

1. Environmental responsibility

Environmental responsibility initiatives focus on reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

2. Responsibility for human rights

Human rights responsibility initiatives include providing fair labor practices Business Ethics To keep it simple, business ethics are the moral principles that serve as guidelines for how a company conducts itself and its transactions. In (e.g. equal pay for equal work) and fair business practices, and rejecting child labor.

3. Philanthropic responsibility

Philanthropic responsibility can include things like funding education programs, supporting health initiatives, donating to charities, and supporting community beautification projects.

4. Economic responsibility

Economic responsibility initiatives involve improving the company's operations while participating in sustainable practices – for example, using a new manufacturing process to minimize waste.

The easiest way to implement your CSR policy is to join an organization that has experience in this area. You don't have to reinvent the wheel! Determine your own impact mission and set up a unique impact program based on proven methods so that making a sustainable impact becomes much easier (and cheaper). At NLvoorelkaar, for example, we link your company strategy, mission and DNA to social projects that fit in with this, and with the skills, available time and talent of your employees. Through our network, you also have direct access to more than 13,000 nonprofits and more than 12,000 volunteer activities that your employees or staff can participate in.

Want to know more about setting up a CSR policy? Through the Good Busy community, the Dutch Volunteer Organizations (NOV) trade association offers knowledge and inspiration in the form of toolkits, documents and webinars to make 'doing good' easier.