New Zealand is set to host the country’s largest international forum this month as part of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2017.
Held at Papa Hou in Christchurch on Thursday 28 September, the one-day Working on Purpose forum is designed to help businesses tackle employee engagement by creating and implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
According to a global 2017 study of CSR, four out of five (79 per cent) graduates today consider a company’s CSR commitments when deciding where to work.
Sustainable Business Council executive director Abbie Reynolds says it is a big deal that New Zealand is hosting the Social Enterprise World Forum this year.
[quote]“Business can be a real force for good in the world, and social enterprises embody that, using business ideas in service to improving social or environmental outcomes,” she said. [/quote]
[quote]“This international forum is an opportunity for New Zealanders to think about how we can support this sector to go further. Social enterprises could transform the way we do business. Around the world, they are growing in number, success, customers and in new markets.”[/quote]
The challenge for any company implementing a CSR program is to create one that simultaneously appeals to employee’s passions, aligns with business goals, addresses critical community issues and delivers measurable social impacts. How best to achieve this will be the primary focus of case studies, discussions and workshops at the Working on Purpose forum.
[quote]“Corporate giving used to be defined by cash and unskilled volunteering,” says Louise Aitken, Ākina Foundation general manager. [/quote]
Yet, with the rise of social enterprises, companies are beginning to realise that skills-based contributions are even more valuable.
[quote]“Using a skills-based approach also enables companies to support a broader, more fulfilling set of programs,” said Louise. “The traditional model of selecting a single companywide beneficiary won’t please all employees. That one-size-fits-all approach limits engagement. People like to choose.” [/quote]
Working on Purpose is being organised by SAP, with support from the Ākina Foundation.
Keynote speakers and workshop facilitators include:
- Peter Holbrook – Social Enterprise UK chief executive
- Abbie Reynolds – Sustainable Business Council executive director
- Paul Dunn – Four time TEDx speaker and B1G1: Business for Good chairman
- Stacey Shortall – partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, 2016 Woman of Influence and Trustee, WhoDidYouHelpToday
- Jan Owen – Foundation for Young Australians CEO
- David Savage – facilitator, inspirational speaker and corporate leadership specialist
