Companies still have progress to make on CSR and responsible digital

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Responsible Digital are concepts that come up more and more often in discussions about companies' sustainability and social impact. Yet, despite growing awareness of environmental and social issues, few French companies have truly implemented effective CSR strategies. Why does this inertia persist, and what are the specific challenges related to responsible digital?

Observations on the adoption of CSR and responsible digital 

Despite increased awareness of environmental and social issues, only 33% of French companies have implemented a formal CSR strategy, according to a 2022 study by the Observatoire de la RSE (ORSE, the French CSR observatory). This figure shows that adoption is still timid given the urgency of today's climate and social challenges.

Several factors explain this slow pace. First, implementing a CSR strategy requires significant upfront investment and far-reaching organizational changes. Companies may hesitate in the face of these costs, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. In addition, CSR involves greater transparency, which can expose practices that were previously invisible or rarely scrutinized.

A notable example is that of the large companies in the CAC 40. According to the annual barometer of the non-financial rating agency Vigeo Eiris, only 45% of them have CSR policies considered robust. This means that more than half of France's largest companies do not yet meet the high standards of social responsibility expected internationally.

Responsible digital: a worrying lag 

In the digital field, the lag is even more pronounced. The report by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) indicates that the digital sector accounts for around 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that could double by 2025. Yet few companies have adopted policies to reduce their digital carbon footprint. In 2021, only 20% of companies in the technology sector in France had implemented responsible digital measures, according to a survey by Syntec Numérique.

Employees' understanding of these concepts 

In the professional world, digital technology is seen as an essential tool that improves performance and well-being. According to Eco CO2's Responsible Digital Barometer, 61% of employees praise its benefits for their work. However, environmental awareness is emerging: 63% of them criticize its environmental footprint. This finding highlights the need for a balance between technological progress and protecting our planet.

Despite the environmental emergency, the concept of responsible digital remains vague for many. Half of employees admit they have never heard of it, and only 17% truly understand what it means. This knowledge gap hinders the adoption of more virtuous everyday practices, underlining the importance of raising awareness within companies.

When we talk about CSR, we are referring to companies' willingness to integrate social, environmental and economic concerns into their operations. In France, just over 60% of employees have heard of CSR, but only 29% fully understand what it is about. Young people, managers and those working in large companies or in the construction sector are the best informed. CSR covers broad areas, but two clearly stand out: the environment and working conditions, which are considered priorities.

Toward greater adoption: solutions and recommendations 

To accelerate the adoption of CSR and responsible digital, several measures can be considered:

1. Recognize existing efforts: acknowledge and highlight the initiatives already taken by employees and the company in terms of CSR and responsible digital. Emphasize the successes and progress made so far, even if they are modest.
2. See challenges as opportunities: present the remaining challenges not as failures, but as opportunities for improvement and for personal and collective growth. Explain how these challenges can lead to innovation and improvements in professional practices.
3. Encourage training and education: highlight the importance of continuous training and offer resources or learning initiatives the company could provide to help employees better understand and apply the principles of CSR and responsible digital.
4. Promote collaboration: encourage a culture of collaboration in which employees are invited to share their ideas and experiences to improve CSR practices. Showcase examples where cooperation between different departments has led to better sustainability results.
5. Include employees in the discussions: stress the importance of involving employees in CSR discussions and decisions. This can take the form of dedicated committees or working groups where employees can express their opinions and propose solutions.
6. Adopt a positive, motivating tone: use a tone that inspires and motivates rather than criticizes or blames. Encourage employees to be agents of change and to take initiatives in favor of more responsible practices.

In conclusion, CSR and responsible digital are key elements for the sustainable development of companies. Despite some progress, much remains to be done to fully integrate these concepts into business strategies. For companies looking to progress and optimize their environmental impact, Leasetic is a partner of choice. Thanks to our expertise in IT and telecom leasing, we help you reduce your carbon footprint while improving your economic performance. Contact us today to find out how we can support you in your transition to responsible digital.

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