Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now a crucial factor for
undergraduates when they consider potential employers, according to research.
A survey by graduate recruitment firm Flag shows that students regard
positive CSR polices as just as important as a good financial package.
The poll of 100 undergraduates finds that 20 per cent would not work for an
employer perceived as unethical, 12 per cent would not consider a company with
discriminatory practices and 26 per cent would not work for a firm with poor
work life balance.
Alison Heron, director of graduate communications at Flag, said companies
making CSR mistakes are often tainted for years in the minds of graduates.
"Many of the students were passionate about the need for employers to act
responsibly on environmental issues, diversity and health and safety. A
company’s unattractive behaviour becomes like folklore – passed from one generation
of students to the next."
