Business Cares: Corporate Social Responsibility 2024

Welcome to IBJ's 2024 “Business Cares: Corporate Social Responsibility” microsite.

CSR isn’t a passing fad. It’s a proven strategy for improving your company’s results while simultaneously helping your community. On this year’s microsite, we’ve assembled some CSR-savvy locals to explain steps your company can take to build your business while giving back.

We start with Dora Lutz, who founded GivingSpring in 2015 to help companies build their bottom line in an impactful way. In this year’s CSR section, she gives an overview of the movement and introduces the following ideas for your consideration:

• The importance of nonprofit board service. Erin Hedges explains how having your employees donate time to nonprofit boards can improve their job satisfaction and sharpen their leadership skills.
• Empathy in the workplace. Liesel Mindrebo Mertes, founder of Handle with Care Consulting, talks about why empathy should matter to your business and identifies some classic mistakes that take place both at work and in our personal lives.
• Purchasing with purpose. Kelly Elsner, founder of forthebluedot.com, explains how you can boost your brand by being intentional with your purchasing decisions.
• Investing in your community. Adam Velazquez, executive director of local nonprofit Groundwork Indy, speaks from experience about how his organization and those it serves have benefited from the generosity of companies that live out their values by supporting nonprofits like his.

Thanks to the 16 companies and organizations listed below that sponsored this Business Cares section of IBJ. We hope you'll support our sponsors and consider how CSR strategies can simultaneously help your business and the communities you operate in.

Sincerely,

Nate Feltman
Publisher, President & CEO

Building stronger businesses through community impact

By Dora Lutz

Corporate Social Responsibility has come of age. When I founded GivingSpring in 2015, the link between community involvement and business performance was just emerging. Today, with $27 trillion flowing through Environmental, Social, and Governance markets, that connection has become impossible to ignore. The connection between community engagement and business success has never been clearer.

When considering the full spectrum of ways organizations can make a meaningful impact in their community, the numbers make a compelling case for business leaders:

• 96%

  of employees want their organizations to pursue sustainability

• 88%

  of consumers make purchases based on social impact

• 87%

  of CEOs say they are being asked to consider Environmental, Social or Governance considerations in their decision making.

• 80%

  of investors consider Environmental, Social and Governance considerations in decision-making

• 57%

  of procurement teams factor sustainability into vendor selection

How these efforts drive the bottom line

Despite critics who dismiss this work as “woke” or “greenwashed,” the reality is far more practical. Corporate Social Responsibility, when measured and considered cross functionally, helps business leaders balance stakeholder needs while driving profit and reducing harm. Better yet, when these functions align, organizations discover new markets, enhance products, and increase value while reducing costs, waste, and regulatory risks. Reducing those risks can also open the door to new capital sources.

Looking Forward

For Indiana business leaders, ethics, service, empathy, and resourcefulness aren't just buzzwords–they're fundamental drivers of profit.

As we look toward 2025, organizations can strengthen these qualities through four key actions:

• Ethics Through Nonprofit Service

  
  Building strong corporate governance starts with community engagement. As Erin Hedges suggests in her contribution to this issue, encouraging nonprofit service helps develop ethical leadership skills while strengthening community connections. When employees serve on nonprofit boards or volunteer in leadership roles, they gain valuable governance experience while representing their company's values.

• Empathy Through Community Connection

  
  Liesl Mertes, CEO of Handle With Care, emphasizes that building genuine connections between teams and communities requires practicing empathy in and outside of the office. Empathy can help us understand others more fully and address conflict more constructively, thereby helping us address needs across our communities more effectively.

• Resourcefulness Through Value-Driven Purchasing

  
  As corporate leaders, thoughtful purchasing provides an opportunity to de-risk our supply chain and demonstrate corporate values while increasing impact. Partnering with local vendors and including environmental responsibility in your decision making can provide new revenue sources for minority and women-owned businesses and is a great way to put your money where your mouth is. And, as Kelly Elsner tells us in her column, it's not as difficult as many suspect.

• Service Through Corporate Volunteering

  
  Corporate volunteering has always been a way to build a healthier, more skilled workforce. These opportunities create a physical opportunity for your team to build camaraderie. They also build your brand outside the office as your team does important work in the community, like empowering youth through vocational training and/or mentoring, as Adam Velazquez of Groundwork Indy points out in his column.

The idea that businesses should engage with communities isn't new, but today's business leaders need to constantly be looking for clear paths to demonstrate that their organizations are operating for the greater good.

By combining globally recognized standards with stakeholder stewardship, organizations can build competitive advantage while strengthening their communities.

When business leaders align profit with purpose, everyone benefits. The future of business success lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we achieve it–through ethical leadership, genuine empathy, resourceful decision-making, and meaningful service.

Lutz is founder and CEO of GivingSpring and the Aspirational Leaders Network. To learn more, connect with Dora at www.linkedin.com/in/doralutz or at Giving-Spring.com

Nonprofit board service is a gift that also gives back

By Erin Hedges

In today's fast-paced corporate environment, many professionals seek ways to make a meaningful impact beyond their day jobs. Serving on a nonprofit board not only gives individuals the opportunity to contribute to worthy causes and communities, but also offers transformative experiences that can enrich their personal and professional lives.

Casse Tate, experienced board member and partner in KSM's Business Advisory Group, knows the benefits. “Serving on a variety of boards has been an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect with amazing individuals, and contribute to causes I deeply care about. It's a rewarding experience that not only allows me to give back but also enriches my own life and perspective in meaningful ways.”

Here's why corporate professionals should consider stepping into this vital role.

A Chance to Make a Difference

Serving on a nonprofit board is a direct way to influence positive change in your community and beyond. Many nonprofit organizations tackle pressing social issues such as education, health care, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation. By bringing your skills and expertise to the table, you can help shape strategies, improve program impact, and ultimately enhance the lives of others. The satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to a cause you care about can be incredibly fulfilling.

Sharla Usana Rios, community development officer at National Bank of Indianapolis and experienced board member shares, “My drive to serve stems from a deep gratitude for those who have invested in me and helped me reach where I am today. It's fulfilling to contribute to other's growth and be a part of a collective effort to make a positive impact in people's lives.”

Utilize Your Skills for Greater Good

As a corporate professional, you possess a wealth of skills that can significantly benefit nonprofit organizations. Whether you excel in strategic planning, finance, marketing, or leadership, your expertise is invaluable. Nonprofits can greatly benefit from specialized knowledge that corporate professionals bring. By serving on a board, you can apply your skills in new ways, driving innovative solutions to complex challenges. This opportunity not only benefits the nonprofit but also allows you to refine and expand your skill set.

Expand Your Network

Joining a nonprofit board opens doors to a diverse network of passionate individuals. You'll collaborate with other board members, staff, volunteers, and community leaders, creating meaningful relationships that extend beyond your immediate professional sphere. This network can be a powerful resource, offering insights, support, and even career opportunities. Building connections with individuals who share your commitment to making a difference can inspire and invigorate your own professional journey.

Enhance Your Leadership Skills

Nonprofit board service offers a unique environment to strengthen your leadership abilities. In fact, a Deloitte volunteerism survey found that 92% of corporate human resource executives said that contributing business skills and expertise to a nonprofit can be an effective way to improve employees' leadership and broader professional skill sets. Boards often face complex decisions that require collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication. By engaging in these discussions and initiatives, you can hone your leadership style and learn to navigate diverse perspectives. The experience of guiding a nonprofit toward its mission can provide valuable lessons in oversight, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management–skills that are directly transferable to corporate settings.

Gain a New Perspective

Serving on a nonprofit board will deepen one's understanding of societal challenges and the nonprofit sector. Many professionals may have limited exposure to the realities faced by nonprofits, such as funding constraints and the need for community engagement. This insight can foster empathy and awareness, shaping how you approach issues in both your personal and professional life. Understanding the broader context of the community can inspire you to advocate for social responsibility within your own organization.

Foster a Sense of Purpose

In a corporate landscape often driven by profit margins and shareholder returns, board service can offer a refreshing shift in focus. Engaging with a mission-driven organization fosters a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Many corporate professionals find that aligning their work with their values enhances their overall job satisfaction and personal well-being. In fact, 74% of US employees and 88% of millennials feel their job is more fulfilling when they are provided opportunities to make a positive impact on social or environmental issues. The experience of working toward a goal to improve the community can reignite your passion and commitment to your own career.

Create a Lasting Impact

Your time and contributions on a nonprofit board can have a lasting impact that extends far beyond your tenure. By helping to shape policies, influence strategic direction, and guide initiatives, you play a crucial role in building a foundation for future success. Knowing that your efforts contribute to long-term change can be incredibly rewarding, leaving a legacy that resonates with future generations.

For corporate professionals looking to make a meaningful difference, serving on a nonprofit board offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity. By utilizing your skills, expanding your network, and gaining new perspectives, you can enhance both your personal and professional life while creating a positive and lasting impact in the community.

Wondering where to start? Organizations like IndyHub and Leadership Indianapolis are go-to resources for civic engagement. Embrace this chance to give back, grow, and lead through board service–for the community and for yourself.

Hedges is the president and founder of Hedges, an Indianapolis-based consultancy that builds the capacity of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations to achieve greater social impact. For more information about Hedges, visit hellohedges.com.

Empathy is a skill you should develop and take to work

By Liesel Mindrebo Mertes

My daughter, Mercy Joan, died at just eight days old. Those early days of grief were tempestuous. I was in the middle of my MBA program with two toddlers at home, and I was not OK. Some people were marvelous, they showed up with care and empathy, while others were tone-deaf and avoidant.

In two years of my MBA classes, not five minutes of a single class period were devoted to how to care for people going through disruptive life events. All too often, we view empathy and a capacity for care as personality traits–some people have them while others don't–instead of seeing them as skillsets that we all can and should be learning because they profoundly affect both our people and our bottom line. That's why I launched Handle with Care Consulting in 2018.

Empathy is an essential skill for leaders, managers, and teammates. It is the ability to recognize and respond to the experience of another person–and it creates unforgettable encounters with both clients and coworkers.

In recent Empathy at Work studies by BusinessSolver, 76% of employees said that empathy leads to higher productivity. Sixty-three percent of employees said that their organization's culture was toxic and that empathy in their workplace needed to evolve.

What's in your empathy toolkit?

When I was in sixth grade, an eighth-grader darted between my bus and the next as we sat waiting. He was in a hurry, not looking, and I watched, in horror, as a car hit him.

He hit the pavement hard and no one had any idea how to help. Within minutes, a first responder arrived at the scene, bag in hand. He pulled out bandages and a blood pressure cuff and stabilized the patient until an ambulance arrived.

He was effective because he knew what he was and what he wasn't. He wasn't a surgeon or an ambulance driver. His job was stabilization. Similarly, at work, you shouldn't be a counselor or a prescriber, but you can have the basic tools of care and meaningful actions in your empathy toolkit.

Our empathy toolkits are pre-loaded and shaped by many factors: your family of origin, your personality, what someone told you the first time someone died. Spoiler alert: you (and I) don't always have the most helpful tools.

Empathy avatars

Here is the good news, you can improve! The first step to growth is to take an inventory of your empathy toolkit.

In my training sessions, I help clients skill up their people and procedures by introducing them to their empathy avatars. The avatars represent common, default response patterns to pain.

• Silent Sam

  doesn't want to say or do the wrong thing, so he does nothing at all and hopes the problem will go away.

• Fix-It Frank

  is a problem solver by nature–quick with a suggestion of what someone needs to do to “get better.”

• Cheer-Up Cheryl

  has the gift of positivity but is always pushing people to look on the bright side, often before they are ready. “At least” is a favorite phrase.

• Buck-Up Bobby

  is inconvenienced by displays of emotion. He believes in powering through difficult emotions and feels strongly that emotion has no place in the office.

• Commiserating Candace

  jumps in quickly with her own story, hijacking the narrative. Suddenly, the conversation becomes all about her. Or her sister. Or her dog. You get the idea.

• Interrogating Edward

  is a natural investigator and likes to get to the bottom of things. He'll pepper you with questions: “Well, why do you feel that way?,” leaving you feeling defensive.

• Joking Julie

  changes the subject with a joke, dismissing your story and making light of your pain. Julie does this to herself, too.

What can I do to build empathy?

Here are some steps to help you grow in empathy at work and in life.

1. Cultivate Awareness

   
   Observe yourself. When do you find yourself defaulting to these behavior patterns? Begin to use this language at work: “Whoops! I just did a Fix-It Frank there…”

2. Radical Attention

   
   Coach yourself to radical attention, especially if you are a Commiserating Candace or Cheer-Up Cheryl. This is not the time to share a story or a cliché.

3. Something is Better than Nothing

   
   If you don't know what to say, say that! “I don't even know what to say right now, but I just want to let you know that I care.” Also, you won't always get empathy right–none of us do–so be willing to pivot when you mess up: “I realize I just told my story instead of listening.”

4. Invest in Training

   
   Through interactive keynotes, bundled trainings, Empathy@Work events, and self-paced online offerings, Handle with Care Consulting will equip your team to build cultures of care at work and in life.

Mindrebo Mertes is a workplace empathy consultant and founder of Handle with Care Consulting.

Branding that demonstrates corporate values through thoughtful merchandise

By Kelly Elsner

In today's competitive business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing that their brand extends far beyond logos and marketing messages. Employees, clients, and company stakeholders are looking for authenticity–a genuine commitment to values that goes beyond surface-level proclamations. One often-overlooked avenue for expressing corporate identity is branded merchandise, a domain where strategic choices can transform simple promotional items into powerful statements of purpose.

The Evolution of Corporate Merchandise

Traditional branded merchandise has long been viewed as a simple marketing tool–cheap pens, mass-produced t-shirts, and forgettable trinkets that often end up in landfills. However, Blue Dot works with companies to reimagine this approach, seeing promotional items as an opportunity to communicate their core values and commitment to sustainability.

By making intentional purchasing decisions, businesses can turn branded merchandise into a tangible representation of their corporate ethos. This approach isn't just about being environmentally conscious; it's about creating meaningful connections with employees, clients, and the broader community.

Impact Across Your Supply Chain

True resourcefulness in branded merchandise involves a comprehensive approach that considers multiple dimensions of impact:

• Environmental Sustainability

  • Selecting products made from recycled or sustainable materials
  • Choosing manufacturers with verifiable certifications
  • Prioritizing items with minimal carbon footprint
  • Designing merchandise with longevity and multiple-use potential

• Social Responsibility

  • Partnering with manufacturers that provide fair wages
  • Supporting minority-owned and local businesses
  • Selecting products that create economic opportunities in underserved communities
  • Ensuring ethical labor practices throughout the supply chain

• Economic Mindfulness

  • Investing in high-quality items that provide long-term value
  • Calculating the total cost of ownership beyond initial purchase price
  • Selecting versatile products that serve multiple purposes
  • Reducing waste through thoughtful, intentional design

A Practical Approach to Purposeful Purchasing

At forthebluedot.com, we've developed a strategic framework to help companies transform their branded merchandise from disposable items to meaningful brand ambassadors. Our approach involves:

• Value Alignment Assessment: We work closely with clients to understand their core corporate values and translate them into merchandise selections.
• Comprehensive Impact Evaluation: Each product is scrutinized not just for aesthetic appeal, but for its broader environmental, social, and economic implications. Impact reports of purchases are provided.
• Storytelling Through Merchandise: We help companies select items that tell a compelling narrative about their commitment to responsible business practices.

The Tangible Benefits

Companies that adopt this resourceful approach to branded merchandise can expect:

• Enhanced brand perception
• Increased employee and client engagement
• Demonstrable commitment to corporate social responsibility
• Reduced environmental impact
• Potential cost savings through strategic, long-term purchasing

Ready to Take Action?

Corporate leaders have a unique opportunity to redefine branded merchandise from a traditional marketing expense to a strategic tool for expressing corporate values. By making intentional, thoughtful purchasing decisions, businesses can create merchandise that resonates deeply with their audience and reflects their genuine commitment to making a positive impact.

The future of corporate branding isn't about how much you spend–it's about the intentionality behind every choice. Are you ready to transform your branded merchandise into a powerful statement of your company's values?

Elsner is co-founder of forthebluedot.com, a branded merchandise company dedicated to helping businesses make meaningful impact through thoughtful purchasing decisions. Download Blue Dot's latest Gifting Guide with 70 unique gifts that are all sourced for impact.

Invest in your community in a way that aligns with your values

By Adam Velazquez

In today's business landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility isn't a luxury–it's a necessity. Beyond the bottom line, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in their communities and supporting causes that align with their values.

Community outreach and volunteering are integral to CSR, fostering stronger relationships with local organizations and building goodwill among customers, employees, and the public.

One organization leading the charge in Indianapolis is Groundwork Indy, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental justice, green-collar vocational training, and youth empowerment. Groundwork Indy's mission is to engage young people ages 14-25 in meaningful work that addresses the environmental and social challenges facing our community. Through green-collar job training, trail building, urban farming, and other environmental initiatives, Groundwork Indy is working to create a healthier, more resilient Indianapolis.

Groundwork Indy's work is amplified through partnerships with businesses that understand the value of giving back. Companies like IU Health, Everwise Credit Union, Clif Bar, and Cummins have become essential partners, supporting Groundwork Indy's initiatives not only financially but also by mobilizing their employees to volunteer.

These companies have embraced the idea that when businesses actively engage with their communities, they not only build a better society but also strengthen their own organizations.

Why community outreach matters

Community outreach allows businesses to build a sense of trust and loyalty with the people they serve. Studies show that consumers are more likely to support companies that invest in causes they care about. For employees, volunteering provides an opportunity to step away from the office, make a positive impact, and connect with colleagues in a meaningful way. It's an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, which can boost morale, improve job satisfaction, and foster a culture of purpose.

Volunteering can also provide employees with new skills and perspectives. For instance, an employee who spends a day removing invasive species or planting trees may come away with a new appreciation for environmental stewardship and teamwork. These hands-on experiences can help employees grow personally and professionally, enhancing their problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability.

The impact of corporate partnerships

For Groundwork Indy, partnerships with businesses are essential to fulfilling our mission. We rely on the financial support, expertise, and hands-on assistance of our partners to tackle the environmental challenges facing Indianapolis.

IU Health's focus on health and wellness make it a natural partner for Groundwork Indy. IU Health employees have joined us on multiple service days, contributing their time and energy to projects like trail building, invasive species removal, and community garden maintenance. This doesn't just benefit Groundwork Indy; it also brings IU Health's employees closer to the communities they serve, fostering a deeper connection to Indianapolis and its people.

Everwise Credit Union has also been a crucial partner, supporting Groundwork Indy's mission through both financial donations and hands-on volunteering. Everwise team members have participated in tree planting and urban farming initiatives, helping us create green spaces in neighborhoods that need them most.

Through our partnership with Clif Bar, a company renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Clif Bar employees have helped with projects focused on environmental restoration and conservation. Our partnership reinforced the company's dedication to environmental stewardship in a tangible way.

CSR's role in community transformation

The impact of CSR goes beyond the immediate benefits for individual companies and their employees. When businesses commit to social responsibility, they play a direct role in building a more equitable and sustainable society. By partnering with organizations like Groundwork Indy, businesses can address pressing environmental and social issues, creating positive ripple effects that touch countless lives.

As more companies embrace the values of CSR, organizations like Groundwork Indy can achieve even more, cultivating an environment where businesses, nonprofits, and communities work hand-in-hand to drive change.

The importance of community outreach and volunteering cannot be overstated. When companies invest in causes that align with their values, they contribute to the health and vibrancy of the communities they serve.

Velazquez is executive director of Groundwork Indy. For more information about the organization and to learn how your organization can partner with Groundwork Indy, visit groundworkindy.org.