"Our employees are the engine of our CSR".

Yvonne Kahl is responsible for the newly created Corporate Social Responsibility department at the PAWLIK Group. She explains in an interview how she makes CSR a topic for all employees and why it pays off in terms of employee loyalty.

You actively involve employees in your CSR concept. How exactly does that work?

Every year, under my leadership, there is a team that develops our vision of CSR, plans strategic projects and creates awareness within the company. In addition, there are small project teams that implement the concrete projects with the help of voluntary supporters.

How is the approach being received?

I have received more project ideas and enquiries than the team and I can handle at the moment. This shows me that the awareness for CSR has been dormant among the employees for quite some time. The impulse and a framework are enough to set a lot in motion.

What has happened so far?

We have collected donations in kind for emergency shelters for the homeless and supported war sufferers in Ukraine as part of the CSR programme "Social Fruits". We have also helped overworked nurses in intensive care units pro bono with coaching sessions to better cope with the immense pressure from Corona.

What role does corporate culture play in corporate social responsibility?

A big role. Doing things together is the DNA of the PAWLIK Group. It is important to me that employees from all divisions and ventures are involved so that the networking effect is as great as possible. Sustainability is everyone's business and each person can make a small contribution. 

How do you measure whether your area is successful?

On the one hand, I have agreed on concrete, quantifiable goals with the management, for example that we want to reduce our emissions and have even more women in management positions. Employer branding also plays a role. We have very good ratings on kununu. But we can do even better in the area of environmental and social awareness. And employee commitment is also a success criterion for me. If it remains as high as it is now, I am very satisfied.

Are you also privately committed to sustainability and social justice?

Yes, I support humanitarian organisations such as "Plan International" and "Doctors without Borders" with financial donations and I am committed against sexism and homophobia. That is a matter close to my heart.