BENEFITS | BEST PRACTICES | EXAMPLES OF EMPLOYEE MENTORING | IMPACT MEASUREMENT | STUDENT & YOUTH MENTORING

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 90 percent of workers with a mentor say they feel happier within their careers. This same group is also more likely to feel “well paid” and “appreciated by their colleagues” as compared to those without a workplace coach. Meanwhile, a 2022 survey of working adults conducted by the Gallup Center on Black Voices found that mentors and sponsors are “crucial to shaping the employee experience.”

Powerful stuff, right? But, not every employee lucks into a mentoring relationship. Most mentoring still happens informally, leaving out a lot of workers—especially workers from underrepresented groups. Gallup data indicates only about 40 percent of employees report having a mentor at work. The other 60 percent may be missing out on a lifetime of enhanced job satisfaction or career advancement opportunities as a result.

So, how can companies be more intentional about mentorship opportunities—implementing structured programs that support team members equally? How do smart corporations go about pairing associates together—one-on-one, in groups, or perhaps even with local students—for the most effective learning and career growth experiences? What are the different mentoring models companies might follow? And what are the benefits derived from an investment in mentoring? We spoke to corporate citizenship leaders at BCCCC member companies SOLV Energy, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and AAA – The Auto Club for answers to these questions and more. 

Members can also commission a custom ESG training program—either online or onsite—for any team members tasked with getting up to speed on the CSRD or other ESG reporting frameworks.

If your company is NOT a BCCCC member...

You are still eligible to enroll in our online ESG reporting courses or sustainability certificate program. We would also encourage all ESG professionals to ask about BCCCC membership and its many benefits. Not sure BCCCC is right for your company? Browse this list of our current members.

Why should U.S. companies pay attention to the CSRD?

Three main reasons: 1.) you may be legally required to do so if your company has a strong presence in EU markets; 2.) your EU customers may need more detailed, standardized ESG data from you, as a supplier, in accordance with CSRD’s Scope 3 (supply chain) requirements; 3.) there are real and significant business advantages to being ahead of the curve on next-gen ESG reporting.

After all, the CSRD will help consumers, investors, and other stakeholders evaluate how well different companies are addressing key shifts that affect people and planet, as well as to better understand the social impact and environmental footprint different companies create in the course of doing business. Voluntarily aligning your reporting with CSRD could offer strategic advantages in terms of attracting top talent or gaining access to finance.

But this is not to say the CSRD (or any other ESG disclosure requirement) is only relevant to businesses from a compliance/risk management perspective. New requirements can catalyze corporate sustainability efforts by setting a baseline, which leading brands will strive to exceed. Directives like CSRD provide decision makers with a clear, comprehensive picture of where the market is operating and where they might differentiate themselves as corporate social responsibility leaders.

What’s the penalty for failing to comply with the CSRD?

The CSRD does not directly outline penalties for failure to comply. Instead, the directive explains that EU Member States should impose administrative sanctions and penalties that are “effective, proportionate and dissuasive,” based on the gravity and duration of the breach, the degree of responsibility, the financial strength of the company, the importance of profits gained or losses avoided through the breach, losses sustained by third parties, the level of cooperation by the company, and whether it had any previous infringements.