The Impact of Doing Good
January 31, 2017 | Posted by: Theresa Torseth | No Comments
Doing good can do wonders for your company. Prosocial behavior – the concept of doing something for the benefit of someone else – has measurable positive effects on the individuals who participate. Businesses that offer opportunities for employees to get involved on a local level like these Fortune 500 companies do end up reaping a wealth of benefits. Employees feel a sense of fulfillment in their work, form greater bonds within the workplace, and appreciate that their employer shares their passion for social responsibility.
Giving Back Boosts Executive Recruiting
More than ever, people want to know they’re working for a company with high integrity and strong corporate values that embrace doing good in the world. And while millennials have led the charge, employees of all ages consider a company with a greater purpose to be a much better place to work. Giving employees time to give back to the community is a great way to show that your organization believes in both them and causes bigger than itself. Corporate social responsibility also differentiates your business from other employers, paving the way for more successful executive recruiting.
Choose the Right Cause
Look for giving opportunities that complement your company’s mission statement or that hold similar interests and values. Consider workplace culture and seek input from employees themselves on which causes are important to them. For example, real estate employees can volunteer for a cause like Habitat for Humanity. Or, take your cue from tech company Salesforce, whose charitable foundation donates technology and manpower to nonprofits. Salesforce employees have the flexibility to decide which causes they will work for and, as part of their compensation package, receive a paid week off each year for volunteer work.
Find causes where employees bond with each other – and the community – over something that is meaningful. Or, offer multiple avenues through different causes and give employees the opportunity to pursue the one that best speaks to them. Keep the focus on:
- Paid community service hours.
- Donations and partnerships from your organization.
- Opportunities for employees to contribute on a personal level, such as delivering food to those in need instead of merely donating canned goods.
Today’s employees want to be part of a company that cares about much more than its bottom line. They want the company they work for to reflect their own values of engaging and contributing to the community around them.