Bengaluru: A reporter at DC, who happened to be visiting city-based non-profit organization Samridhdhi Trust met with a group of employees from Deloitte. “We are involved with many NGOs and social activities, including cleaning up the streets,” said an employee, who is one among the five-thousand odd Deloitte employees bringing smiles to people’s faces.
Corporate Social Responsibility is on the agenda of every corporation in the country, although it must be said that some try harder than others. At a time where corporate life is defined by perks and promotions, deadlines, meetings and performance reviews, social causes are often left to take a backseat. This auditing and consulting firm, however, ensures that the values we learned growing up don’t go amiss by ensuring that social causes and activities play an important role in employees’ schedules. The company, despite being a for-profit organisation, goes beyond the realm of regular CSR work and has chosen instead to make their endeavour toward social change a constant, year-round effort.
DC talked to S.V. Nathan, Partner and Chief Talent Officer, Deloitte India, about the company’s hands-on approach to CSR work. “From cleaning the street to working at orphanages, we do what we can to bring about a change for the better,” said Nathan. "Community is our business and over the last 14 years in India, the organisation has been investing in the society through several projects primarily in the areas of education and skill building, healthcare and sanitation, environment sustainability, and empowerment. We believe that every organisation has the social responsibility to give back to society, what it takes. Impact Day is Deloitte’s way of volunteering the time and expertise of its professionals towards the socio-economic development of India," he added. On ‘Impact Day’, Deloitte professionals offer skill-based volunteering services to not-for-profit organizations, sharing their knowledge and expertise to try and make a meaningful impact. This happens all over the country, as employees participate in around 175 different projects across 12 cities.
"Monetary donations can bring about change, but what the sector really needs is people willing to donate their time,” explained Nathan. “Whether it’s spending time at an old age home, orphanage or any other non-profit organisation, we believe that time is our most valuable commodity.
Their approach also includes empowering new mothers with information on caring for newborns, supporting pre-school kids and their families, ensuring children stay in school through remedial classes and anganwadis, helping them graduate successfully and finally, added Nathan, “preparing young adults for their transition into the workforce.”
