Why your reports need more than corporate social responsibility

For decades, corporate reporting was a tidy affair. Companies churned out annual financial statements detailing the cold hard numbers of profit and loss. Then came a whisper of demand for something more: a glimpse into the soul of the business, beyond the bottom line. This whisper evolved into a roar, giving birth to corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports.

CSR reports were a valiant first step. They shed light on a company's philanthropic endeavours, employee programmes and environmental initiatives. They painted a picture of a caring corporation – a good citizen giving back to the community. But just like a child taking its first steps, CSR reports often stumbled, limited by a narrow focus on philanthropy and a disconnect from the core business strategy.

Enter the ESG and sustainability report: a broad non-financial report that is quickly becoming a bold evolution in transparency. An ESG and sustainability report isn't just a feel-good brochure about volunteering days and corporate recycling; it's a comprehensive compass, navigating the entire spectrum of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors that define a company's impact on the world. It's a deep dive into the DNA of the business, revealing the business’s relationship with the environment, treatment of employees and stakeholders, and commitment to ethical practices.

Here's how the landscape has shifted.

From charity to strategy

Where CSR reports focus on one-off charitable acts, non-financial reports integrate ESG factors into core business strategy. The focus is on understanding how sustainability, diversity and ethical governance are essential drivers of long-term value creation, rather than throwing money at problems.

From storytelling to data-driven analysis

CSR reports often relied on emotional storytelling, painting a rosy picture of the company's good deeds. However, non-financial reports like ESG and sustainability reports are grounded in data-driven analysis. They use (evolving) standardised frameworks and rigorous metrics to quantify performance in specific ESG areas, allowing for accurate comparisons and tracking of progress. While the rigour of the review very much depends on the company and whether these reports are being audited and assured by an independent third party (like Speeki), they are solid data points that try to avoid any form of greenwashing.

From stakeholder appeasement to stakeholder engagement

CSR reports were primarily aimed at satisfying external pressures. Non-financial reports in ESG and sustainability, on the other hand, foster genuine engagement with stakeholders. They invite dialogue, seek feedback, and demonstrate how the company's ESG performance aligns with stakeholder priorities. Of course, actual engagements with stakeholders should be visible and clearly stated in the report – not just a guess on what a class of stakeholders might be expecting.

From short-term initiatives to long-term vision

CSR reports often focus on isolated CSR projects. Non-financial reports around ESG and sustainability paint a more holistic picture, revealing how sustainability and responsible practices are embedded in the company's long-term vision and future goals. They showcase a commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future for the company and its stakeholders.

 The journey from CSR reports to comprehensive non-financial reports that address all of the issues across the broad spectrum of ESG (Speeki believes there are at least 19 different areas that make up ESG) is one of evolution, of shifting from the periphery to the heart of the business. It's a journey fuelled by transparency, driven by the growing understanding that ESG factors are not just add-ons but core elements of a successful and responsible company. In today's world, investors, employees and customers demand more than just profits; they demand a compass, a roadmap to a sustainable future. And through embracing broad non-financial reports, companies can navigate the complexities of the modern world and chart a course towards true, impactful success.