As I put this article together, I’m sitting in my office with at least 100 pairs of kids’ tennis shoes stacked around me. Why? I’m spearheading my company’s participation in Shoes That Fit, an organization that matches groups with schools that have kids in need of shoes. My company’s mantra is “community first, company second”— a bold statement for a company that works hard to satisfy shareholders every day. Promotional Consultant Today shares why being a “giving” organization is an important strategy.
Why Give? There are many reasons why it is wise and appropriate for a business to give back to its community. It expands networking opportunities, increases corporate standing and generates goodwill. From an employee standpoint, it builds team camaraderie as staffers serve together and pursue common non-work related goals, increases employer esteem and provides a connection outside the workplace. These, then, have an indirect effect of improving employee job satisfaction and thereby decreasing turnover. And, as employees see a different side to their employer, respect can increase and better understanding can be nurtured. With all these benefits, what company wouldn’t want to promote and pursue a philanthropic effort?
What to Give? There are two primary forms of assistance that can be provided: money and manpower. Most organizations are more in need of volunteer labor than they are of monetary donations.
Let’s start with the manpower aspect. You can provide opportunities for your staff to volunteer. Generally, these opportunities should occur outside regular working hours. Some businesses have a provision to take time off without pay; a few even offer paid time off when volunteering. These, however, are rare, costly to the company and generally not needed. Setting up a simple means to allow employees to know about and pursue volunteer opportunities takes little time and incurs little cost to the company.
If making a financial contribution is feasible, one consideration is setting up a matching fund. This is when companies budget monies to match the donations of their employees. The employee makes the donation, submits the receipt and the company makes a matching contribution. This, too, is quite easy to set up. Payroll deductions for charities are also an option.
Where to Give? Needs exist all around your community. Consider after school programs, food pantries, clothes closets, homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Call your nearest school and ask how you can help. Opportunities might include “adopt-a-classroom,” reading programs, tutoring, providing back-to-school supplies or helping with GED classes.
How to Give? It is important to remember that no matter how great the need or how rewarding the work, only a percentage of employees will take part. Also, their degree of involvement will vary greatly. Just make sure no one feels obligated to get involved, and remind them that volunteering is, in fact, voluntary. After all, you don’t want to serve with someone who is negative or resentful; the goal is to have fun and find fulfillment as you volunteer. Leave the naysayers at the office.
When to Give? Now! Not next month, not next year; now.
Source: Peter DeHaan is a magazine publisher by day and a writer by night.
