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Recently, I connected with dozens of corporate executives of large and small companies in an effort to understand the benefits of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the corporation.

The question, I learned, is harder to answer than you might expect, principally because most corporate do-gooders approach their social good efforts with more of an eye toward impact on the community than on the firm.

With some effort, however, I’ve pulled some meaningful responses from corporate leaders I’ve reached and learned a great deal in the process.

Garratt Hasenstab, Director of Sustainability at the Verdigris Group, courtesy of the Verdigis Group

Garratt Hasenstab, Director of Sustainability at the Verdigris Group, a real estate development and consulting firm, says, “Verdigris Group is focused on being a leader in the area of corporate social responsibility. We have developed and established a comprehensive set of sustainable business initiatives that facilitate our triple bottom-line approach to operating our business.” He notes that the firm has operated “as a certified carbon-neutral business since 2007.” The firm engages its employees actively in all of its sustainability initiatives.

Hasenstab adds, “Verdigris Group is fortunate to work with some of the most socially and environmentally conscious clients and partners in our industry. Those that we work with, both partner companies and clients alike are actively engaged in our sustainability efforts and take pride in being involved with a company that is focused on the triple bottom-line of people, planet, profit.”

He concludes by saying, “Our CSR policy is at the core of our daily operations and guides our future progress. We benefit from these efforts in a number of ways. Our clients want to work with us because we are focused on a healthier and more productive world. Our development clients can rely on us to develop their projects to the highest standards of energy efficiency and occupant health, while creating an architecturally resonant project that reflects our mission and vision. Of course we save money by operating more efficiently which is a direct benefit of our CSR efforts, however the true value we receive from our ongoing initiatives is that of social good will – we believe that setting a good example is the greatest benefit in that we inspire other organizations, companies and individuals to ‘up their game’ when it comes to social and environmental responsibility, which in turn encourages further inspiration in the community leading to a more enlightened perspective on how to run ones business or lead one’s life.”

While each company I interviewed had varying responses for the benefits of CSR and cause marketing for the company, 51 of 59 believe that they have happier employees and 45 of the 59 believe they end up with better employees, either as a result of being able to attract better talent or that the CSR programs help to develop better employees.

John G. Taft, great-grandson of President Taft and CEO of RBC Wealth Management-USA, courtesy of RBC

John G. Taft, great-grandson of President Taft and CEO of RBC Wealth Management-USA, which reports $227 billion of assets under management, describes one of their CSR initiatives, “The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water. It includes a $50 million philanthropic commitment to organizations that protect watersheds and ensure access to clean drinking water.” He notes that “Clients are often invited to participate in RBC sponsored local events with nonprofits.”

Taft further explains, “For the sixth year, RBC employees around the globe will participate in Blue Water Day on June 14. On this day, employees will volunteer their time to participate in a Community Makeover with a local nonprofit to help preserve fresh water in urban areas.” He adds, “I have personally attended Blue Water Day activities and have seen firsthand the commitment of our employees to the environment. Last year, in Minneapolis, we cleared invasive species from a local riverbank so the natural vegetation can thrive and be a natural filter for runoff that flows into the river. The demonstrated commitment by the company and employees makes me proud to work for RBC.” He sums up the benefits to the company this way, “Employees and customers want to work with a company that they respect.”

Similarly, Lisa Dewey, Pro Bono Partner at DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms, says the firm “is deeply committed to Corporate Responsibility initiatives through pro bono service, community engagement, diversity and environmental sustainability.” She further explains, “In the United States, DLA Piper structures its pro bono program around “Signature Projects,” which are designed to commit significant resources to tackling major social issues, including education, hunger relief, juvenile justice, access to justice, domestic violence and serving veterans. DLA Piper’s signature projects are often developed in partnership with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, foundations and the firm’s corporate clients.” She adds, “Globally, New Perimeter, a nonprofit organization established by DLA Piper in 2005, provides pro bono legal assistance primarily in developing and post-conflict regions.”