Insights The Rise of CSRD: The people factor in a New Era for Corporate Transparency

The Rise of CSRD: The people factor in a New Era for Corporate Transparency

In today’s rapid changing world, as sustainability becomes an increasingly critical factor for businesses across the globe, companies are being held to higher standards when it comes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This shift is driven in part by regulatory requirements, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which brings sustainability reporting of business operations under more scrutiny.

Introduction to the rise of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

At NetRom Software we have proactively embedded sustainability into our social and human policies. Our social and human departments play a key role in ensuring our organization’s compliance with relevant standards by providing accurate and comprehensive data related to our workforce, such as employee engagement, diversity, and labor practices.

Following up, we will explore how NetRom has led sustainability efforts, the latest trends in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from a people perspective, and how these are being integrated into our workplace culture and day-to-day operations.

Understanding the CSRD and its impact on NetRom

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an EU initiative designed to enhance the transparency, accountability, and consistency of sustainability reporting across businesses. Unlike traditional financial disclosures, the CSRD mandates companies to report on a broader range of factors, including environmental and social impacts, governance practices, and supply chain management.

The goal of the CSRD is to ensure that stakeholders – such as investors, employees, and customers – have access to reliable, comprehensive, and comparable data on a company’s sustainability efforts.

At NetRom, the adoption of the CSRD regulations has played a pivotal role in reshaping our approach to social responsibility and employee engagement. Our social and human policies are now aligned with these new reporting standards, positioning sustainability as a core aspect of our corporate strategy. By doing so, NetRom reaffirms its commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, and long-term value creation, with people at the heart of these initiatives.

Sustainability: The core of our social strategy

At NetRom, the role of the social and human department has evolved. It’s no longer just about managing employee relations or organizing social events; it’s about creating a culture that places sustainability and social responsibility at the forefront of our operations.

Looking ahead, we are reshaping our policies to support sustainable practices, encouraging employees to engage with sustainability initiatives, and developing programs that enhance work-life balance, mental health, and overall well-being. These efforts reflect our commitment to building a diverse, engaged, and well-prepared workforce.

Here are a few examples of events and initiatives that align with these key pillars of our strategy:

Social policy for employee well-being

Aligned with the company’s commitment to the CSRD and sustainability, NetRom has enhanced its social policies to focus on employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion. Additionally, we aim to foster professional development, promote teamwork, and encourage an environment that supports a productive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace culture, in line with CSRD standards.

Team events such as Indoor Games Competitions, team-building activities, and Games Day are key initiatives that, in terms of CSRD alignment, strengthen team cohesion, improve employee well-being, boost workplace morale, and enhance social capital within the organization.

While organizing these events quarterly requires a dedicated team, resources for activities, and spaces for creative engagement, the impact is immeasurable:

Fostering camaraderie and relaxation: These events contribute to improved employee morale and workplace enjoyment.
Promoting team spirit: By creating a casual, fun environment, these activities support engagement and cooperation among employees.
Reinforcing team bonds: These events build positive relationships, which are vital for fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture.

Providing employees with opportunities to try new sports or simply recharge through physical activity after a busy day plays a crucial role in supporting physical health. This is one area where companies can make a significant positive impact on their employees’ well-being.

Moreover, engaging in meaningful social activities creates a sense of belonging, reinforcing our commitment to a supportive and enjoyable workplace and ensuring employee satisfaction.

To stay ahead of the curve, future initiatives could include promoting mental well-being by offering creative outlets, such as providing music instruments in relaxing areas to encourage stress relief and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Community engagement and HR development

Initiatives that encourage employees to volunteer in education-focused community projects can significantly enhance a company’s workforce investment strategy in multiple ways.

For over 13 years, the #NetRom4Students program has gone beyond simply hiring outcomes: we are fostering a lasting, supportive network and promoting systemic change in education.

Through our partnerships, we build social capital and strengthen community ties with local organizations, educational institutions, and families. Collaborating on educational projects with stakeholders from the educational sector often exposes us to new perspectives and challenges, sparking innovative ideas.

Programs such as Internships, Practice, Laboratories, and Academies allow companies to invest in the future workforce and community development, contribute to skill-building and knowledge-sharing, support continuous education, and foster industry-relevant skills. These initiatives also prepare participants for advancements in software and AI.

From the people perspective, the impact is significant: young professionals develop technical expertise through hands-on training and experience, students gain foundational knowledge, preparing them for careers in tech fields, and future developers equip themselves with critical skills in AI and software engineering.

Internally, volunteering for these projects places employees in unique situations where they can manage diverse groups, adapt to different needs, and take on new responsibilities. Contributing to social capital and community advancement enhances employees’ sense of purpose and satisfaction, creating a more fulfilling work experience.

Driving sustainable practices from within

A core element of sustainability at NetRom is employee engagement. The company recognizes that involving employees in the design and execution of social and environmental initiatives is essential for driving meaningful change.

To foster this engagement, NetRom has established employee-led working groups that are responsible for generating new ideas to enhance the company’s social and environmental impact.

Whether focused on ecological awareness, forest conservation, low-impact practices, or supporting educational initiatives, diversity, and charitable causes, these programs not only improve the company’s environmental footprint but also provide employees with a sense of purpose, aligning personal values with corporate goals.

Enjoyable team activities, such as tree planting, weekly after-hours Bike Tours, Back2School initiatives, and charity betting CSRs, along with running events that support charitable causes, engage employees in activities that make a positive community impact. These events empower employees to drive change, helping to create a workplace culture where sustainability is a central and active part of daily operations.

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Future trends: What’s next for CSRD and sustainability?