Community, Employees

In recent years, some companies have broadened their community engagement activities from the traditional three Es of education, environment and economic development to encompass more difficult social issues like crime. The logic was clear: if we don't, the cost to the business will escalate.

Until now, few have confronted head on the more demanding problems of drug and alcohol abuse. One reason is that the climate is not favourable - the fashion for `naming and shaming' is not conducive to a understanding and compassionate approach. But mainly it is because these are regarded as health issues and in Europe (but not in the USA or elsewhere) health is seen as a public sector responsibility.

In fact, the cost to business is considerable. Companies outside Europe pay healthcare costs, while companies everywhere suffer the indirect expense of time off work and lost production. The studies we report above are further proof, if any is needed, that what happens in society directly affects companies and that unsolved social problems can cost dear. So getting companies involved in preventative programmes must make good sense, with action also needed for a compassionate approach to time off and other employment policies.

Corporate Citizenship Briefing, issue no: 43 - December, 1998