CSR Spotlight on Innovation - Wendy Rentschler, BMC Software

August 29, 2022. Every once in a while, we come across a clever idea that not only helps those in need, but also builds a culture of social responsibility in an organization at the same time. We found just this sort of idea from Wendy Rentschler, Head of Global Corporate Social Responsibility at BMC Software. Wendy runs a very active CSR program at BMC Software, where she addresses a wide range of stakeholder needs across a global workforce. Read on to learn about her unique approach to CSR, and how she uses ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to help achieve the corporate social responsibility goals at BMC…

Communicating Progress on DEI Initiatives

August 29, 2022. For many HR executives, completing the annual EEO-1 report is about as much fun as filing your taxes. Recently, however, some ESG and CSR executives are opting to share their company’s EEO-1 report with the public to demonstrate progress on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in their organizations. However, it is important to note that employers should not expect the EEO-1 report to tell a full or complete story about their commitment or progress on DEI issues…

CSR Spotlight on Innovation - Christine Uri, ENGIE Impact

July 25, 2022. Today, we had the privilege to chat with Christine Uri, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Legal Officer from ENGIE Impact. We discussed her innovative role in the company that combines the benefits of a legal background with the unique skillset required to manage sustainability initiatives. We also explored her perspectives on the increasing requirements of mandatory sustainability reporting, and asked what advice she has for business leaders that are just beginning to build a sustainability strategy in their organization…

Overcoming Bias in Grant Making

July 21, 2022. When deciding where and when to allocate a philanthropic grant, personal opinion can occasionally cloud objectivity. This type of personal bias can be made both consciously and unconsciously, resulting in a less optimal or impactful allotment of funds. It is important to be aware of how implicit bias can impact your grant making decision, and incorporate some best practices into your process to ensure these biases can be overcome…

The Influence of the Responsible Corporation

July 6, 2022. As the United States federal government continues to push more decision-making for national social and environmental concerns to state and local levels, we have seen individual cities and states step up to fill the void by enacting their own local ordinances and laws. We’ve also witnessed another powerful player join the fray that strongly influences the way these local laws are implemented and enforced: the U.S. corporation…

ERGs: A Voice in Your CSR Strategy

June 29, 2022. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups which aim to foster a more desirable work environment or community. With the goal of supporting underrepresented groups in the workplace, ERGs can be a beneficial tool in your CSR or ESG strategy in a multitude of ways. Specifically, ERGs can play an important role in advancing CSR strategies around workforce development, building a purpose-driven company culture, and community engagement…

CSR Spotlight on Innovation - Mercedes Gutierrez Alvarez, IKEA Retail (Inkga Group)

June 20, 2022. In recognition of World Refugee Day (June 20, 2022) Diamond Head Research had an amazing discussion with Mercedes Gutierrez Alvarez from Ingka Group about the company’s mission to provide training and improve the skills of 2,500 refugees to support them in gaining employment inside or outside of the company by the end of 2022. Every CSR, ESG, or diversity focused executive should read this important story and learn from her valuable experience and advice…

Corporate Responsibility and Gun Violence - What can employers do to make a difference?

May 29, 2022. In our recent Employee Corporate Social Responsibility Sentiment Survey, we asked over 200 employees about their perceptions of their employers CSR activity. Specifically, we asked employees in which social or environmental areas their company should be investing in. Not surprisingly, most responses referenced environmental issues like climate change, or social issues like diversity, equality, and the eradication of poverty. A topic missing from the list was gun violence…

Elon Musk’s Comments Underscore the Complexity of ESG

May 19, 2022. On May 18, 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk created angst within the ESG community with his post on Twitter, stating:

“Exxon is rated top ten best in world for environment, social & governance (ESG) by S&P 500, while Tesla didn’t make the list!

ESG is a scam. It has been weaponized by phony social justice warriors.”

Understandably, the comment from Musk, a very well-known public figure, broadly painting ESG as a fraud has created a lot of attention…

Corporate Social Responsibility Communications Strategies Are Not Working

April 13, 2022. A new study from Diamond Head Research, a leading research and advisory firm on corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, examined employee sentiment about the CSR activities of their employer. The study was based on interviews with 225 employees of medium and large sized US companies across all job functions and levels of seniority…

CSR Spotlight on Innovation - Alex Fernandez-Garita, Johnson & Johnson

March 22, 2022. We hope you enjoy this informative interview with Alex Fernandez-Garita at Johnson & Johnson, who describes his innovative Social Acceleration Marathon program. Like an accelerator for a start-up, the SAM program works to accelerate the impact of a non-profit, by deploying resources and expertise that a non-profit may not have access to. It is a great way to combine community engagement and volunteerism, fostering a culture of CSR across your organization…

Ukraine: A Checklist for CSR

March 2, 2022. The escalation of the conflict in Ukraine is a reminder for any CSR and ESG executive to review and update human rights policies and positions in their CSR strategies. On the assumption that doing business in conflict-affected areas will become more common in the near term, executives should be prepared to communicate and demonstrate their commitment to human rights more explicitly and more often. We’ve assembled a short checklist of actions CSR teams should be taking right now…