Corporate Responsibility and Gun Violence
What can employers do to make a difference?
May 29, 2022. In our recent Employee Corporate Social Responsibility Sentiment Survey, we asked over 200 employees about their perceptions of their employers CSR activity. Specifically, we asked employees in which social or environmental areas their company should be investing in. Not surprisingly, most responses referenced environmental issues like climate change, or social issues like diversity, equality, and the eradication of poverty.
A topic missing from the list was gun violence. We believe this omission isn’t because employees don't feel strongly about ending gun violence. Rather, it is more likely that employees do not know how their companies can address this specific social concern. Other than gun manufacturers themselves, it is sometimes difficult to see where companies in other industries can address gun violence as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
One unifying theme, applicable to every single employer, is the responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. It can be argued that the recent increase in gun violence in the US puts general workplace safety at risk. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries during 2020, a 43% increase since 2010. We anticipate this dramatic increase will compel companies to address this risk.
If your company is not in the gun manufacturing or distribution business, what are some activities that your company should consider under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives? Here are some ideas:
Supply chain review. Double-check that your suppliers, distributors, and retailers do not provide products or services to companies that do not support universal background checks. Consider making this a requirement in your vendor approval process.
Community Engagement. Offer gun safety and education seminars to the communities in which you do business. This can be made directly to customers or the public in partnership with local non-profits and foundations.
Employee Engagement. Proactively help employees and their families cope with fear and loss. Promote and increase access to Employee Assistance Programs. If you don't have one, get one. Ensure employees understand what benefits you provide to support mental and emotional health. Hold education sessions, host experts, build a broad understanding at all levels of your organization of the signs of stress, anxiety and what to do about them.
Workplace Safety. Ensure your company policies specifically enforce a weapons-free workplace. Properly train personnel to handle any on-site emergencies.
Banking. Bank with a bank that reflects your company values. For example, end banking relationships with banks who lend money to finance gun shows or gun manufacturers that do not support more stringent gun safety laws. Citigroup, for example, restricts the sales of certain types weapons and ammunition that go through their credit or debit card systems.
Business Travel. Only host conferences, events, or business travel in locations that have strong gun safety regulations.
Lobbying. Lobby government departments to enact more strict gun safety legislation. Direct lobbying efforts towards private sector organizations like insurance companies to end liability coverage for assault weapon owners.
Philanthropy. Make donations to charitable organizations addressing gun violence.
Specifically in the US, companies are often called upon to address issues where government regulations are seen to be failing. With no government intervention on the horizon, gun violence will likely be one of the issues that companies will need to address in their CSR, ESG, and philanthropic strategies. Is gun violence an issue for your company? Engage your employees to find out what makes them feel safe at work.
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