ACCP Staff
In the 5th Annual CSR Insights Report, produced by ACCP and YourCause by Blackbaud, one of the key takeaways was that the demand for measuring the impact of corporate social impact initiatives has continued to surge.
This rising expectation, driven by stakeholders, requires more than just good intentions. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) professionals face the critical task of quantifying their efforts to demonstrate tangible results. This burgeoning demand is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift in how businesses develop and evaluate their social impact strategy.
The statistics speak volumes: a striking 71% of respondents reported an increased demand to measure impact, a significant jump from 53% in 2023. This upward trajectory underscores the growing recognition of the importance of CSR efforts in the business landscape. Companies are no longer just encouraged to act responsibly; they are expected to provide data-driven proof of their impact.
At the heart of this shift is the exposure to the C-suite. CSR, ESG, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are now under the watchful eyes of senior leadership. In 2024, 50% of CSR teams reported substantial exposure to the C-suite, nearly matching last year’s 51%. This sustained visibility indicates that top executives are committed to these initiatives yet require a solid, data-backed business case to maintain that support.
Indeed, a recent survey of corporate social impact practitioners from global and national companies conducted by ACCP and True Impact found strong demand for impact measurement data, including from the C-suite (76%), the Sustainability/ESG Committee (66%), marketing and communications (64%), and the general employee population (34%).
Meeting these heightened expectations requires significant investments. To keep pace, companies must commit greater financial resources, additional staff with the right expertise, and cutting-edge technology. The push for robust impact measurement is a matter of internal accountability and a response to external pressures from investors, consumers, and employees alike. While reporting and compliance is important, it should not come at the expense of impactful programs. It’s critical for companies to resource reporting and compliance while also resourcing ample expertise and capacity to design and carry out the company’s social impact strategy.
Interestingly, while responsibilities for CSR teams remain high, there is a notable shift in the impact of these increased duties. In 2024, 73% of CSR teams reported increased responsibilities, a slight relief from the 86% in 2023. This reduction in workload intensity is reflected in improved well-being among practitioners: 24% work longer hours (down from 61%), 33% experience burnout (down from 50%), and only 3% face employee turnover (down from 17%). Moreover, mental health challenges have decreased dramatically, from 19% to just 2%.
These improvements suggest that CSR professionals are adjusting to their increasingly demanding roles, possibly aided by fewer disasters and emerging crises this year compared to recent years. However, the need for adequate resources remains paramount. Without sufficient financial investment, skilled personnel, and technological support, sustaining these improvements and meeting the growing demand for impact measurement will be challenging.
As this year’s report confirms, the landscape of corporate social initiatives is evolving rapidly. The emphasis on impact measurement reflects a broader shift towards accountability and transparency in CSR and ESG efforts. For CSR professionals, this means rising to the challenge with the necessary resources and strategies to meet and exceed stakeholder expectations. The journey ahead is demanding, but the potential for positive, measurable impact is immense with the right tools and support.
We encourage you to download this year’s report for more details and analysis of our findings.
