The benefits of paid volunteering time
As the CEO of a thriving organization, I strongly believe that businesses are responsible for giving back to the communities they serve. Beyond driving profits and achieving success, it is our duty to lead by example, instilling the right values within our company and creating a positive impact on the world. Businesses can catalyze change in the world when they do work that matters.
In this article, I want to emphasize the benefits of intentionally giving back, a leader’s role in acting purposefully and the importance of integrating these values into the workplace.
The CEO’s responsibility to lead
Giving back is one of the core values at the company I lead. We believe in doing work that matters and leaving a positive impact through our endeavors. But saying this is one thing; doing it is quite another, which is why we offer paid volunteering time to our team members and plant a tree for every employee and client each month. I know that as the leader of the company, I have a responsibility to model these values at all times.
I understand my actions’ influence and impact on my organization, and know I have a responsibility to champion the values of compassion, empathy and social responsibility. By leading purposefully, I aim to inspire our employees, customers and partners to join us in making a positive difference. Bottom line: if I am not walking the walk, no one else will either.
Modeling the right values
As an organization, we must lead by example. By actively participating in philanthropic endeavors and demonstrating a commitment to giving back, we strive to inspire other companies to do the same. We’ve been giving back each month by partnering with organizations that help us plant trees around the globe, among other causes. As an organization, we’ve planted nearly 1.5M trees, and our employees have logged hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours through our commitments to these initiatives — and we’ll keep going!
And my company’s not alone in our knowledge that businesses can take the lead for a better society and planet. For instance, companies like Microsoft, Salesforce and Patagonia have embraced giving back. Microsoft matches employee donations of time and money to nonprofit organizations, Salesforce has committed 1% of its equity, time and product to charitable causes, while Patagonia grants employees up to two months of paid leave to volunteer for environmental organizations.
Building giving back into the workplace
To truly embed the values of giving back within a company, they must be integrated into your workplace culture. One way to achieve this is by offering paid volunteer time to employees. By providing a bank of time, dedicated hours or specific days for volunteer work, you can encourage your employees to engage with causes they are passionate about and demonstrate support for their personal growth and fulfillment beyond their professional responsibilities. Seeing the growing list of different causes and organizations you can reach through an active, global team is cool!
Benefits to employee engagement and retention
Giving back through volunteering creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment for employees. When individuals feel that their work goes beyond monetary gains and contributes to a greater good, they become more engaged and motivated. According to a Deloitte survey, more than 70% of surveyed employees cited giving back through volunteering as a better boost to their engagement than other company-sponsored initiatives, like happy hours. Moreover, the same article shows that companies prioritizing corporate social responsibility experience higher employee satisfaction rates and lower turnover.
A workplace that values giving back and social impact becomes an attractive environment for employees. When individuals feel aligned with the company’s purpose and values, they are more likely to stay committed and loyal. For example, IBM’s “On Demand Community” program allows employees to use their skills to support nonprofits. As a result, IBM has experienced higher retention rates among employees involved in the program.
Positive impact on communities and beyond
By engaging in philanthropy, you can extend your reach beyond the confines of your organization. By actively contributing to your community, you can address social challenges, support nonprofits and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This positive impact not only strengthens the communities in which you operate but also helps you build goodwill, enhance your brand reputation and attract like-minded partners and customers.
Giving back is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative. Leading with purpose, modeling the right values and integrating giving back via volunteering into your workplace can drive employee engagement, enhance retention and positively impact communities and beyond.
Let us continue to work together to build purpose-driven organizations that inspire change and leave lasting legacies of compassion and social responsibility; there’s a real business case for making the world a better place!
Originally published at https://www.bizjournals.com.
🌸 About the Author:
Hi there! 👋 I’m Natalie, and I’m thrilled to connect with you here!
I jumped into this platform a few years ago when so many of us were stuck at home. I realized I REALLY missed meeting new people and sharing ideas, so I embraced virtual connections — which kind of makes sense, considering what I do for work!
As the CEO at AnswerConnect, I lead a fantastic team that provides people-powered services and technology to support small and mid-sized businesses, helping them work Anywhere! 🌍✨
At AnswerConnect, we’re all about the work-from-anywhere model. Not gonna lie, one of the perks is definitely getting to work in my fuzzy slippers! But it’s more than just comfy footwear that I love. This model fuels employee engagement, boosts business results, and promotes inclusivity and belonging in the GLOBAL workplace. It’s a win-win! 🏠👩🏽💻
Equity and belonging are values close to my heart, and I’m dedicated to fostering an environment at AnswerConnect where people from all backgrounds can thrive. That’s why I love mentoring, speaking at events, and sharing my experiences through writing. 🌟📚
When I’m not busy with work, you can find me soaking in quality time with my amazing family, enjoying the great outdoors, and lending a helping hand through volunteering. Giving back is something that truly fulfills me. 💙🌳✨
If we don’t yet know each other, let’s fix that!
Connect with me here: on Medium, on LinkedIn, and Instagram
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