Employees perception of Lyreco’s CSR and HRM sustainable policies

The author of this Master Thesis has tried to divide the impression and the effects of CSR in general and HRM sustainable policies. Nevertheless, they are part of the same framework, therefore it is usual that employees’ ideas on the matters coincide or complete one another. Therefore, sometimes opinions on the matter may be similar;

however, since the goal of this chapter is to verify practically the impact that CSR policies, with particular attention to HRM sustainable policies, have on employees, it is crucial to distinguish the findings.

92 4.2.5.1 CSR

It emerges that working for a company that has strong CSR policies is very important for employees. Working for a company like Lyreco, which is implementing its CSR initiative, demonstrating to be a modern company, reactive to the needs of the society and the market, make people feel better. Lyreco employees, indeed, feel more useful to society and to the future of their children, and of future generations in general, thanks to the actions done by the company they work for.

“Knowing that Lyreco is sensitise about actual themes of sustainability helps me to work better; in the working routine, having this kind of CSR practices, it helps to feel better: certainly, profit is still the fundamental component, otherwise we could not have a salary, but working for a company like Lyreco makes me feel part of the world, involved in current matters, as well as it makes me feel that I am contributing positively” (Employee n.1).

“Working for a company that is attentive towards the environment and CSR current matters in general is nice: it makes me feel more useful for the society”

(Employee n.2).

“Lyreco is implementing a series of CSR activities that can involve employees. For instance, in March, we are going to plant some trees at Parco Nord, because we have calculated our CO2 emissions and we want to compensate them, since we are trying to achieve the circular economy. We have asked employees who would have wanted to participate, and everyone is enthusiast” (Employee n.3).

4.2.5.2 HRM sustainable policies

On the other hand, HRM sustainable policies are relevant because they improve Lyreco as a place to work. It emerges that people feel considered by the company, and this make them work better because they go to work happy; besides, the attention that Lyreco has for them, make them feel more motivated and productive. Everyone claimed that they

93 feel very motivated at work and that these kinds of policies have a significant influence on that.

“In Lyreco the person has always been at the centre, and I have always appreciated it. Moreover, the implementation of HRM sustainable policies have greatly simplified my life, especially with regards to agile working. Lyreco always makes me feel good, it makes me come to work happy and involves me in CSR initiatives that make me feel useful to the whole society” (Employee n.2).

“In Lyreco the employee is at the centre: they try to meet everyone’s meet.

Moreover, we have a lot of benefits as employees that many other companies do not offer. Therefore, Lyreco’s main goal is the wellbeing of its employees: they do small actions every day, but these make you feel good and appreciated. They are attentive to everyone’s needs, even the ones that do not concern job, and try to help. There is a familiar atmosphere, and it is positive, it makes me want to remain here” (Employee n.3).

“Lyreco is really attentive to people’s wellbeing. All these initiatives, like for instance the flexible hours, simplify employees’ life and this is very important;

they also contribute in creating a pleasant work environment which is crucial in my opinion because we spend eight hours every day at work” (Employee n.4).

“All these practices give the idea that the company cares about you, and you are not merely a number. Lyreco tries to meet all my needs and to make me feel better, with many small actions that actually make the difference. They make me feel more motivated and make me come to work happy” (Employee n.5).

Lyreco is attentive towards its employees. Accordingly, the mindset driving Lyreco in implementing HRM sustainable policies is that when there are policies addressing the wellbeing of employees, these latter will be happier, more satisfied, and therefore more motivated and productive.

Therefore, as it can also be deducted from the analysis, they are implementing such actions: they understand the value of employees and do not want to lose them. Indeed, there are projects aimed at increasing the wellbeing of the workers.

94 4.2.6 Involvement of employees

It emerges that thanks to the many initiatives engaging employees, together with internal communication, the employees feel involved in CSR activities and in the life of the company in general. All these practices have positive consequences for the company.

“Lyreco for education initiatives, as well as the many events organized by HRM Office, are moments in which people can feel the joint participation with their colleagues, and they enjoy it” (Employee n.3).

“There are many moments in which the possibility to participate in the company’s life is granted. Even if they are all small initiatives, small things, all together can make the difference because they make you feel part of something bigger”

(Employee n.4).

The feeling of involvement is quite essential; indeed, an employee who feels involved will be more motivated and engaged, more productive, as well as more loyal to the company.