Irish companies well above average for promoting CSR in the workplace - survey

According to the survey 88pc of Irish companies donate to charity, compared with 62pc in the European Union and 65pc globally. Some 81pc of Irish companies provide internships and work experience programmes (73pc - UK; 67pc - worldwide), while the same proportion have a diversity or equality initiative in place (62pc – EU; 50pc – worldwide). Fifty-seven percent of Irish companies participated in community activities in 2011 (47pc – EU; 55pc – worldwide).

However, the survey also finds that just 29pc of Irish companies acted as mentors to other businesses (35pc – worldwide; 31pc – Europe). Also, while it’s still very high, the number of Irish companies engaging in work experience programmes has declined 15pc on 2009 figures.

The company said it is highlighting the benefit of supporting CSR initiatives in the hope that it may encourage other companies to engage in similar programmes.

"Corporate social responsibility is about promoting a sense of civic duty in the workplace that is so important to the success of Ireland Inc," said Pat Burke, partner in Grant Thornton. "We are delighted to see that Irish business ranks amongst the top in the world in giving to charity and training young people with internships and work experience.

"However, we can always do more. Working together and doing what we can to mentor fledgling businesses and promote good ideas is how Ireland is going to get out of the difficulties we are in.

"We have had the opportunity to work with great programmes like the Trinity Access Programme, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and the DCU Access Scholarship Programme to help young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go to university.”

Pictured: Participants of the Trinity Access Programme with Grant Thornton staff