We identified exemplary companies that demonstrate outstanding social responsibility towards their local communities. These positive examples highlight the profound connections that can be created between businesses and the communities they serve. Our case studies are chosen based on the following criteria:
Sustainability: We evaluate the long-term viability of the CSR initiative, ensuring it can be maintained and continue to provide benefits over time.
Effectiveness: We measure the impact of the CSR initiative, focusing on tangible and meaningful outcomes for the local community.
Scalability: We consider the potential for the CSR initiative to grow and extend its reach, benefiting an even larger portion of the community.
Replicability: We assess how easily the CSR initiative can be adopted by other businesses, creating a wider culture of social responsibility.
Explore our case study collection and be inspired by how businesses are making a positive difference.
Edenred is an example of innovation and social responsibility. As the pioneers of Restaurant Ticket, they have created a legacy of improving employee well-being within organisations. The commitment extends beyond individual companies as they have created a larger group with a corporate structure dedicated to sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that CSR initiatives are not simply an afterthought but rather an integral part of the company philosophy. Edenred’s approach to CSR is characterised by its multi-layered structure. At the helm of this initiative is a dedicated group-wide team, charged with overseeing sustainability practices across the entire organisation. This commitment is further consolidated at a national level, where the team works to implement and localise CSR strategies.
In Italy, the CSR Manager reports to the Director of Human Resources and CSR, highlighting the company’s integrated approach to employee well-being and social responsibility. One of the pillars of the CSR strategy is the commitment to connecting with local communities. Despite having the largest offices in Milan and Rome, with smaller offices in Bari, Naples and Trento, the commitment to maintaining a constant presence and connection with the communities is renewed. The flagship Restaurant Ticket program goes beyond providing meal breaks; and catalyzes to support local organisations that assist those in need. The company directly involves its employees through paid volunteering days at organisations such as Banco Alimentare or Caritas, to allow them to make a tangible difference in the lives of others and get to know the social reality up close.
In collaboration with a client company and the Food Bank, a pilot program called “Donate your shopping” was launched. This innovative initiative allows users of Edenred applications to purchase food which will then be donated at the Food Bank points closest to the client company. This program not only provides much-needed food assistance but also fosters a sense of community among our users. Edenred’s commitment to employee well-being and social responsibility represents an example of a company that was born and incorporates a corporate vision that goes beyond mere profit but is oriented towards the common good. Addressing the large companies of the future that will increasingly follow the model of benefit companies and B Corp companies, becoming examples of responsibility and social change.
Jadran-Galenski Laboratorij (JGL) is the leading national company in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. It stands out as an advocate for corporate responsibility, actively promoting sustainable practices both within its operations and beyond.
This commitment is evident in several key areas:
In 2021, the company established a long-term business strategy supported by three pillars, one of which is directly related to the impact of climate change. In 2023, a corporate project was implemented specifically tied to ESG goals, along with a system to monitor their implementation – the Group ESG Manager. Through their Code of Ethics, relief efforts in Ukraine, and the use of renewable energy sources. JGL’s commitment to ESG principles demonstrates that companies can integrate sustainability into their core business practices, contributing to a more responsible future.
TELE Haase Steuergeräte GmbH. is a company from Vienna that has been working in the technology sector for over 60 years. This company represents a peculiar case as, although there is no specific CSR Manager figure within the company, there are around 4-5 employees who work regularly and guide Corporate Social Responsibility issues. Working groups have been regularly set up for specific projects in which employees also consider and address issues relating to sustainability and social responsibility, as well as resource-saving operations. Precisely for this reason the company maintains a strong commitment to supporting local communities. There are no predetermined partnerships, but rather collaborations adapted to the specific objectives and needs identified by parts of the local communities and the target audience of each project.
Here are some examples of their diverse community engagement:
Citiz is a car-sharing network in France. Founded in 2002 under the name France-Autopartage, the Citiz network is a cooperative created by the pioneers of car-sharing in France (groups of inhabitants of Marseille, Lyon, Grenoble and Strasbourg). The company developed car-sharing services close to the regions and users, the Citiz network now includes 14 independent local car-sharing operators.
A small company with less than 10 employees, it operates as a non-profit cooperative to create a network of different types of vehicles linked to public transport. It is helping to reduce congestion in the city and cut CO2 emissions with its car-sharing services. Of great relevance to the SIM project, Citiz is implemented locally by public companies and non-profit cooperative societies. Users and local authorities participate in decision-making taking into consideration policy, rules and regulations, in the interest of all.
It is therefore quite natural that the network bringing together these structures has adopted the form of a cooperative consumer society. The capital and decisions are mainly in the hands of local car-sharing structures, which invest daily in the improvement and development of car-sharing throughout France. The Citiz network’s mission is to make life easier for car-sharing users and to support the sustainability of local car-sharing services. The network’s shared cars are accessible in 190 French cities, including about 60 SNCF stations. These services allow 50,000 users to share the use of 2,000 self-service cars.
Listen to Sarah who has worked with Citiz for three years and is responsible for its CSR and regional development.
Another example of a business making a difference in their community is Interplast, a Greek company known for producing integrated water supply, heating, air conditioning, and drainage systems.
At the heart of Interplast’s CSR initiatives is Ms. Zoe Rizopoulou, supported by her father. They lead efforts to build strong relationships within the local community and the wider region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Together, they develop the company’s CSR roadmap and implement impactful initiatives in several key areas:
Responsible financial management is the foundation of their approach, ensuring sound economic practices. Environmental management is a priority, focusing on reducing pollutants and minimising environmental impact.
Their commitment to the community is evident through active participation in cultural and social activities. They support first responders by rewarding firefighters and donating essential equipment like masks, showcasing their dedication to public safety.
Promoting sustainability, they organise a forum with the Technical Chamber of Thrace and the Municipality of Komotini to focus on energy saving. Their regional collaboration involves continuous communication, supporting the region’s growing industrial sector. Their community engagement is underscored by organising a large-scale forum in Komotini with 700 guests from all over Greece.
Education is another pillar as they work with regional universities to establish a new department, highlighting their belief in the power of education. Finally, partnering with organisations like the local church strengthens their community ties and demonstrates their support for diverse institutions. Through their dedication, collaborative spirit, and local initiatives, Interplast is making a positive and lasting impact on their community and region.
