HRWORKS' CSR - Good Goes Around

HRWORKS was recently recognized for its commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

The Metro Atlanta Corporate Volunteer Council (MACVC) selected HRWORKS as the recipient of the 2007 Innovative/Collaborative Program IMPACT Award. HRWORKS was chosen for the efforts of its employee-led volunteer organization, CHARITYWORKS, which benefits 20 different charities annually. By providing assistance to a wide range of organizations, employees have numerous opportunities to volunteer their time and talents to causes that are important to them.

Kurt Ronn, president and founder of HRWORKS, said, "With CHARITYWORKS, we created a structure that encourages employee involvement, and the employees run it themselves. It's satisfying to help organizations you care about."

Since CHARITYWORKS was founded in 2004, HRWORKS employees have dedicated over 3,500 volunteer hours, donated 1,200 toys to needy children, provided 175 dress suits to a battered women's shelter, built four Habitat for Humanity houses and completed countless other projects. When asked what employees liked about HRWORKS, one person answered, ' HRWORKS offers so many ways to get involved in the community that, no matter where your passion lies, there is something for you to contribute. '

Aside from promoting camaraderie and helping the community, HRWORKS has found that CHARITYWORKS helps boost employee retention rates.

Although CHARITYWORKS is an award-winning organization, practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR) doesn't stop there. HRWORKS has implemented many environmentally-friendly initiatives as an extension of its CSR efforts. For example, HRWORKS manages a number of recycling programs, including paper, ink cartridges and used tennis shoes. Also, HRWORKS recently consolidated office wings and limited the number of bulbs used in overhead lights to minimize energy usage. The company's goal is to conserve where practical and reinvest in new ideas that make a societal difference.

For companies like HRWORKS, CSR not only benefits the community and bolsters employee morale, but improves the company's image. HRWORKS has greatly profited as a team because the employees have become a part of something bigger than the company itself. Companies that do not emphasize CSR should consider revamping in 2008. Good does go around and HRWORKS has experienced this first-hand. HRWORKS encourages all companies to start or maintain CSR efforts, and is even willing to help - enter the HRWORKS Charity Challenge and earn $1,000 for the charity of your choice.