Around holidays and end of the year, we tend to see and hear more about the generous ways philanthropists, celebrities, companies and many others in the public eye have donated money, talent or time to support a charitable cause they’re passionate about, or how they’ve otherwise helped unsuspecting strangers. Maybe it’s because the holidays are a time for reflection, and spending quality moments with friends, family and colleagues reminds us of what we’re most grateful for in life.
The truth is, though, we don’t need to wait for year-end to give to others. In fact, there are countless ways each and every one of us can make a difference every day of the year. And, although your reasons for giving should always be about doing the right thing, giving can have a positive ripple effect for more than just the people you help in the community — it can also help your employees and your business thrive.
Giving has been core to our culture at Ultimate Software since day one. Over the years, as we’ve grown from humble beginnings with four people into a billion-dollar company supporting thousands of employees and customers worldwide, we’ve been extremely fortunate to give at a scale we never imagined. But even when we were small and didn’t have much to give financially, we still found small ways to make a big difference. We served our community. We celebrated our people. Nearly 30 years later, that hasn’t changed. It’s ingrained in our “People First” culture, and it’s a way of life for us.
As corporate social responsibility, and the various ways organizations are serving a greater purpose in society, becomes more top of mind for employees, now is the time to consider how you can improve your own philanthropy. And, if giving hasn’t always been a priority for your company, the good news is it’s easier than ever to give and it’s never too late to start. Here are some tips for making giving an everyday activity for everyone in your company.
Start Small — Every Act Makes A Difference
While there are countless amazing examples of people and companies donating millions of dollars in support of charitable causes all around the world, you don’t have to donate money in order to make a meaningful impact. Start small, and you’re likely to see your efforts grow organically.
First, you could partner with a local food bank, homeless shelter or other nonprofit and arrange for a team of employees to volunteer for a few hours. There is true strength in numbers, and with groups of people working together toward the same goal (just like in the workplace) — such as packaging meals or sorting and distributing clothes — you’re able to make a large-scale difference in a small amount of time.
Still unsure about where to start? Surveying your teams about the causes they support is a great way to discover nonprofits that can benefit from your help. Plus, listening to your people and their feedback not only helps increase engagement, but it also opens doors to new service opportunities and often inspires more employees to volunteer outside of work hours.
Include Virtual Employees In Volunteer Opportunities
It should go without saying, but companywide giving means offering every employee the opportunity to give. Remember to think beyond just your headquarters and to include teams across your offices — as well as your virtual employees. The number of remote workers continues to increase, and keeping them involved is vital to ensuring your culture remains strong.
Look for regional areas with a number of employees nearby and find a location that’s easy for people to reach within a reasonable commute. Many nonprofits have national or international affiliates, so you can organize concurrent volunteer sessions where local and/or virtual employees can get together to volunteer during the same day or week to support the same cause, which helps increase your collective reach and broaden your overall impact.
Also look for ways to bring giving opportunities straight to your people. Add volunteering to the agenda at your next all-team meeting. Schedule an all-day meetup for virtual team members, with the chance to co-work and serve the community together. These are great ways to build teamwork and camaraderie among employees while supporting people in need.
Brighten Someone’s Day, Beginning With Your People
At its root, giving is about making life better for another person. Brightening someone’s day can take many forms, small and big. If you’re looking to make a difference or another way to strengthen your company culture, start at “home” with everyday acts of kindness for your people.
Always take time to celebrate your employees. Celebrate birthdays, babies, engagements and marriages. Celebrate your people’s, team’s and company’s accomplishments. Surprise the office with lunch or organize fun team outings. Most of all, say thank you to your employees and show your appreciation for their commitment. Give awards for outstanding effort and results. Let your people nominate their own colleagues for awards, and provide avenues for everyday peer recognition, so employees know their hard work is appreciated by many.
Every act of giving has an impact. No matter how you choose to serve, know that your selflessness will pay off. Focus on helping others and always doing the right thing, and you’re sure to see positive changes in your company and in your community.
