What is CSR?

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is a business model and practice by which companies aim to uplift and improve rather than degrade the society and environment they operate within. CSR is hugely important to how Savills operates as a business. The Savills Cares campaign, which has been active since 2017, is part of ongoing efforts to uplift local people and charities. 2022 has seen some great activity that will not only support the community this year but into the future.

What does CSR mean?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reflects a company’s commitment to the well-being of the society and communities they operate within. It is increasingly important to the success of businesses. Today, business goes beyond just the bottom line. Customers and employees no longer focus purely on profits as markers of success but also on how businesses impact the greater good.

The four types of CSR include environmental, ethical, philanthropic, and economic responsibility. Savills commits to creating sustainable environmental practices with its environmental policy, which focuses on reducing emissions and resource use and promotes sustainability. The Savills Cares campaign bolsters the philanthropic aspect of Savills CSR commitments. The program redirects Savills industry award fees to charities and environmental activities that benefit local people and the community.

Why is CSR important?

Ethical and sustainable behaviour within businesses is something customers increasingly demand, with sustainability being a driving force behind purchasing decisions. Effective CSR campaigns and efforts are becoming integral to how companies are viewed, with the belief that customers are more likely to do business with ethical companies.

Benefits of CSR

Improved Customer Perception

Effective CSR campaigns show businesses as being positive forces within society, and these campaigns can differentiate businesses. CSR efforts can also gain customer loyalty and trust, with customers increasingly willing to pay more for sustainable services.

Attracting Investors

Like customers, investors are now holding businesses accountable for sustainability. CSR efforts can be a marker of accountability for investors as they demonstrate transparency and social responsibility. Many investors not only appreciate the social investment, but an ethical business culture acts as an assurance of reduced investment risk.

Retaining Employees

Employees are more likely to feel motivated within a company with a visible and actionable commitment to the environment, community, and human rights. According to Deloitte’s 2021 survey on Millennials and GenZs, 44% of millennials and 49% of Gen Zers said that they made employment decisions based on their ethics.

CSR Examples in Viet Nam

As one of Viet Nam’s leading property advisors, Savills is deeply committed to the communities it supports and operates within. One example of Savills CSR commitment is the Savills Cares program, which has been active since 2017. The program aims to uplift the local community, create a positive long-term impact, and support nonprofit organisations that benefit the lives of children.

A pillar of the Savills Cares program is supporting children and young adults, giving them a better chance at life through education, training, and vocational programs. Over the years, Savills has partnered with several charities, including Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, Newborns Vietnam, and the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. A long-term partner is Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a charity committed to helping and protecting disadvantaged children and victims of human trafficking.

In May 2022, Savills partnered with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and Saigon Children’s Charity CIO to provide scholarships for 40 students throughout Viet Nam. The partnership with Blue Dragon is part of the ongoing project, Scholarships for a Brighter Future. Matt Powell, Director of Savills Ha Noi said, “We are honoured to accompany Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in creating a better future for Vietnamese children through education and career training.”

The partnership with Saigon Children’s Charity CIO will allow 20 university students to continue their education. In terms of long-term support, the program facilitates vocational training, giving the participants practical skills that they can use to find employment. It also offers skilled candidates job opportunities within our managed properties.

Savills is also working with the AMA Foundation and will provide 27 monitors for a computer lab. The project will support students with their studies.

CSR is not taken lightly at Savills, with Managing Director, Neil MacGregor, cycling over 350 km with Charity Cycle Adventure (CCA) in support of Saigon Children’s Charity, a charity that gives disadvantaged children in Viet Nam a better start in life through education. He, with 42 other cyclists, managed to raise over US$101,000. He said, “I hope my efforts on this trip will help bring a better life and new opportunities to disadvantaged children, especially after the challenges of the pandemic.” Read more about his efforts here.