Demands for corporate social responsibility

Overall consumer spending may be dropping, but ethical consumerism is on the rise. More than 90 percent of women look at a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices before making a purchasing or employment decision, found a poll conducted by Heat, marketer to women.

The environment and gender equality topped the list of important issues, and participants also stated a need for charity to begin in the workplace, rather than at home.

“Corporate Social responsibility is a priority. We see this as an integral part of our overall strategic plan to build a sustainable business—for both our employees and our consumers,” says Gillian Franklin, CEO of The Heat Group. “Whilst CSR has been lauded for some time, our message to other companies is: make CSR a priority now if you want to attract female consumers or employees.”