May 2009
A sustained attack
Once dismissed as hot air that just distracts companies from their commercial goal, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is now firmly in the mainstream. In the face of rising government pressure and increasing consumer demand, the corporate world has embraced the growing appetite for ‘good business’. But while it blossomed in the boom times, CSR may wither in a recession. As companies are forced to cut back on everything from corporate hospitality to headcount, CSR could well find itself in the firing line too. Will CSR fall by the wayside as the fight for survival takes priority? That’s the question we aim to answer in this month’s special sustainability issue.
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Features
They’ve been brewing real ale since 1872 but Adnams prefers to look forward than back, pioneering the concept of CSR and producing the UK’s first carbon-neutral beer. At the heart of this ethos is Jonathan Adnams, recently awarded an OBE for services to CSR. Shaun Campbell met him
Cutting waste, saving energy and reducing pollution doesn't just benefit the environment, it boosts the bottom line too. From simple steps to more sophisticated schemes, every workplace can be greener, says Helen Mayson – you just need to harness the enthusiasm and initiative of your staff
Losing your job not only puts a dent in your wallet, it knocks your confidence too. But with the right guidance and a positive approach, you can use redundancy to renew your career. Karen Higginbottom picked the experts’ brains for the best advice
Columns
Acts of kindness
If you want to be popular, give things away. Gifts, money, time, help: it works for individuals and companies alike. But does the giver get anything but the warm glow of virtue in return? Steve Martin explains how to get the best from giving, thanks to the ancient game of swapping favours
Help is at hand
It’s natural to want to stand on your own two feet, but to achieve your goals you need to open up to others. If you can do that, says Jim Lawless, you might be surprised who you find at the other end of the phone
Costing the earth
It’s a good job green collar work is going to save us all – we’ll need all the cash we can get to sustain our organic lifestyles, says Stewart Gowans