Abstract Adopting a sustainability approach in management has become an imperative for organizations. This article addresses this challenge by establishing the criteria for the implementation of a human resource management (HRM) system based on an approach of corporate social responsibility (CSR). It also provides a measurement scale for CSR in the field of HRM. We analyse the sustainability reports of 194 companies quoted on the main stock exchanges of Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, we review the main international CSR standards. Finally, we develop a Delphi study among academic experts. The results have practical implications. They suggest that human resource managers must play a proactive role in pushing their organizations to develop employment practices with a CSR orientation. This will have positive effects for companies internally by enhancing employees' satisfaction and commitment toward the organization, and externally by improving the image that the company projects to society.
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