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CSR Smile

TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon-A Good Run for Great Reasons

Many people might assume that marathons are only for the physically fit, and while fitness is crucial, marathons go beyond athleticism. They celebrate the spirit of trying something new, fostering discipline and resilience for personal growth. From children to senior citizens, everyone can join a marathon to experience the joy of personal achievement. Embracing inclusivity and the vibrant energy of Bengaluru, the TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon is set to take place on 27th April 2025. This event honours diversity and reflects the ever-refreshing spirit of the city.

The Youngest Race

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru marathon is the youngest race to receive the prestigious IAAF Gold Label, bringing the electrifying energy of India’s Silicon Valley to life. On race day, runners from across the city and around the world will gather in the early hours, donning their running gear and meaningful costumes. Amid perfect weather and scenic views, participants will run with unmatched enthusiasm and purpose.

Who Can Participate?

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru welcomes everyone—children aged 12 and above, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and corporate teams eager to champion social causes through this run.

Participants can choose from the following categories:

  • Open 10K
  • Majja Run
  • Silver’s Run
  • Champions with Disability
  • Virtual Run
  • World 10K

This inclusive approach allows each participant to run at their own pace, in their unique style, and for their chosen cause.

Corporate Partnerships: Running for a Cause

In today’s world, corporate engagement extends far beyond boardrooms. As businesses adopt a more conscious approach, it is essential for them to demonstrate their commitment to social causes and employee well-being. The TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon offers a perfect opportunity for corporate teams to come together, celebrate team spirit, and reinforce their dedication to making a difference.

Over the years, corporate participation in marathons has proven to enhance brand reputation and foster a culture of wellness within organisations. Employees benefit from improved mindsets and attitudes, contributing to a positive workplace environment. Events like these also encourage employees to prioritise their health, leading to better work-life balance.

For instance, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon last year saw 34,000 runners, including teams from companies like Coca-Cola, Airtel, and Optum, highlighting the growing trend of corporate involvement in such events. These numbers underscore a shared commitment to excellence and social responsibility.

Driving Social Change at TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon

The TCS World 10K Bangalore has had a profound impact on social causes. As South India’s largest sporting philanthropy platform, it has raised an impressive ₹46.04 crores over 14 editions. This year, we encourage everyone to participate—register, choose a cause or NGO to support, and fundraise or donate. Every contribution counts, making a real difference in people’s lives.

Why Corporates Should Participate?
  1. Boost Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved beyond financial donations. Today’s businesses are at the forefront of driving social change. By participating in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon, companies can visibly support NGOs, raise funds for meaningful causes, and demonstrate their commitment to giving back to society.

  1. Showcase Creativity and Uniqueness

The marathon is an excellent platform for brands to showcase their creativity. From logos on t-shirts to banners and event materials, companies can leave a lasting impression on a large audience. Your brand might just set a new trend!

  1. Enhance Employee Engagement and Morale

Transform race day into a team-building exercise. Participating as a group fosters team spirit and highlights the company’s empathy and responsibility towards both employees and the community. This, in turn, enhances reputation among customers and stakeholders.

  1. Promote Health and Well-being

Employee health is closely linked to productivity. Corporate participation in marathons demonstrates care for employee well-being by encouraging healthier lifestyles, leading to holistic personal and professional growth.

  1. Networking Opportunities

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru brings together businesses, non-profits, and communities, providing an open space for meaningful interactions. These connections can lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both organisations and society.

  1. Attract Socially Conscious Talent

Marathons provide an opportunity for companies to showcase their social responsibility. Potential employees are drawn to businesses that align with their values, particularly those committed to social causes. Participating in the marathon helps attract and retain socially conscious talent.

Empower Education at TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon is designed to be one of the most exciting and socially impactful events. It presents a valuable opportunity for corporate partnerships to drive meaningful and positive change.

Participating in the TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon with Smile Foundation offers a unique opportunity to combine athletic achievement with a significant social impact. Smile Foundation, a social development organisation in India, works across urban poor, rural, and tribal areas of India, addressing critical issues in education, health, and livelihoods.

By partnering with Smile Foundation, corporates can directly contribute to the transformative education of underserved children through its flagship initiative, “Shiksha Na Ruke.” This programme, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, provides holistic learning experiences at Mission Education centres. These centres deliver academic instruction alongside comprehensive developmental support, fostering the overall growth of children.

Corporate participation in the marathon not only showcases social responsibility but also creates a lasting impact. Supporting Smile Foundation’s lifecycle approach ensures continuous educational support from early childhood through adolescence, empowering children to build solid foundations for future success and uplifting entire communities.

Running with Smile Foundation at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru Marathon transforms corporate efforts into meaningful change, demonstrating a commitment to fostering educational equity. If your corporate organisation also wishes to make a positive difference then run with Smile Foundation to support underserved children and turn every stride into a step towards a brighter future.

For more information contact- Prasoon Srivastava – [email protected] 

Kumari Surbhi [email protected]

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Partnerships Smile

Employee Engagement: An Important Initiative for ESG/CSR

“Happy the place, happier the employees”

Indeed, the above phrase captures the significant impact of a positive work environment on employee well-being and satisfaction. However, since the beginning of 2020, when the pandemic hit, the landscape of work life has undergone a significant transformation.

The pandemic brought about layoffs, resignations, and a sense of dissatisfaction among employees. Limited social interaction during work from home led the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

It was high time for the organizations to realize the need to keep their employees satisfied. It became important to take care of employee well-being, both physical and mental.

Most organizations have introduced or expanded wellness programs, providing resources and support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, promoting mental health, and addressing the overall well-being of their employees. They started aligning their ESG & CSR programs with their employees’ values.

Why Employee Engagement is Important for ESG/CSR?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. While organizations often focus on the environmental and governance dimensions, it is equally important to address the social aspect and consider the needs and interests of internal and external stakeholders. Working in an inclusive environment and striving towards a meaningful social goal can have a positive impact on employee well-being, reducing work-related health issues.

The synergy between employee engagement and ESG performance not only strengthens the company’s overall sustainability efforts but also enhances employee satisfaction, motivation, and employee retention, boosting morale, and fostering higher levels of productivity within the organization.

It’s important to strategically align the employee engagement activities with the organization’s ESG/CSR goals.

By aligning this, corporate can create a cohesive narrative that connects employee engagement efforts with the broader sustainability agenda.

Engaged employees contribute to better business outcomes, customer satisfaction, innovation, talent attraction, and resilience. As a result, organizations with well-engaged employees stand out in the market. Also, employees of the outer world act as brand ambassadors of the organization. Employers with employee engagement practices build a positive employer brand. It becomes an influential factor for potential employees when considering job opportunities.

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Photo Courtesy: The Citizen

ESG/CSR, Employee Engagement, and NGOs

Employee engagement goes beyond mere job satisfaction. It encompasses the emotional connection, commitment, and enthusiasm employees have toward their work and the organization. Dedicated and motivated employees usually align with the company’s mission and values. Nowadays employee engagement has become part of an organization’s mission. It’s an effort that requires continuous attention and investment from organizations.

Organizations can facilitate their employee engagement activities through NGOs. By this organizations can strengthen their commitment to social impact, enhance employee engagement, and contribute to the greater good. Some ways through which employees can engage with NGOs and their programs:

  1. Volunteer Programs: Employees can contribute their time and skills to NGOs. This could involve activities such as mentoring programs, or skills-based volunteering where employees can utilize their professional expertise.
  2. Online Donation Drive: Corporate can facilitate employee participation in donation drives and fundraising campaigns for NGOs. This could include matching employee donations, or providing platforms for employees to contribute financially to causes supported by NGOs.
  3. Payroll Giving: Also known as employee giving, is a voluntary charitable giving program that allows employees to donate a portion of their salary directly to NGOs for their different causes.
  4. Partnership and Collaboration: Corporate can establish partnerships and collaborations with NGOs to work on joint initiatives that align with their ESG and CSR objectives. By actively engaging in partnerships, employees have the opportunity to participate in meaningful initiatives and witness the impact of their collective efforts.
  5. Entertainment and engaging activities: NGOs can engage corporate employees in a range of activities that provide them with opportunities to directly interact with beneficiaries and make an impact. These can give a meaningful experience to employees.

In today’s competitive world, corporate that aim to excel must embrace the philosophy of employee engagement.

This blog was originally published on LinkedIn on 25th June 2023.

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