Companies are established to meet the needs of a particular client base. But what if you could look beyond the immediate consumer and also give back to those in need? Whether it’s supporting a local cause or volunteering to make a larger difference in the world, creating a culture of community involvement has a positive influence in the workplace. Here’s how:
Linking Action to Company Values
These days, it’s not uncommon for businesses to publicly declare their support for specific charitable initiatives. Demonstrating that your company intends to contribute to the greater good can attract consumers whose values are aligned. Furthermore, one of the most effective ways to nurture a strong company culture is to choose a cause that’s important to your employees and give them the chance to support it.
The opportunity to be part of an organization that gives back to the community is encouraging for everyone in the workplace. Stepping into a fundraising role or other volunteer work as a representative of the business instills pride and allows people to act in accordance with their personal values.
Creates a Shared Purpose
When people join their colleagues in a project that benefits the local community, they share a common sense of purpose. Chances are, many employees live in the same area where they work. Giving back to their city by building a playground or raising funds for a wildlife habitat helps build a stronger network among people.
If the volunteer efforts address a more widespread issue, such as cancer awareness, it’s not uncommon for participants to have a personal connection to the cause. Leaders can go a step further by asking colleagues to suggest causes they already support, helping to identify something that will readily motivate everyone.
Builds Teamwork
There’s no question that working with colleagues to improve the lives of others outside the workplace strengthens team bonds. Collaboration on community projects typically requires a range of unique skill sets and expertise. This is an ideal situation for employees to learn from one another.
When people spend time doing something productive for the greater good, they become more open to sharing their knowledge and listening to others’ ideas. This diversity of opinion and experience can enrich the outcome and promote synergy within the team.
Participating in volunteer work to support the community can also foster new respect among your direct reports. In this more relaxed environment, there isn’t the usual performance pressure associated with day-to-day jobs. Trusting relationships are formed and strengthened as people focus on the enjoyment of the activity. The sense of camaraderie can easily carry over into the workplace.
Encourages Engagement
A solid company culture relies, in part, on engaged employees. The opportunity to get involved outside the office with initiatives that benefit the community encourages individuals to be more engaged at work as well. When the company supports a certain charitable endeavor and gives its people the chance to be part of something bigger than their work responsibilities, it sends a strong message.
Awareness of what the enterprise is prepared to do for the wider community helps individuals feel a real connection to the company. In turn, this makes workers more inclined to step up and volunteer at work—whether that means taking an extra shift when needed or mentoring a new hire. Plus, morale often receives a definite boost when people feel this affinity within the workplace.
Promotes Professional and Personal Growth
Organizing a fundraising event for a local nonprofit or volunteering your time and energy in another way is an opportunity for both personal and professional development. These activities often enhance leadership skills and help people become better communicators as they network and negotiate the various steps involved. Project management is another skill set that can be strengthened during these initiatives.
The growth you may see in your direct reports as they roll up their sleeves and work on passion projects can be quite remarkable. Add to this the fact that such experiences assist them in improving their job performance and furthering their careers.
Finally
Community involvement through volunteer work creates a shared purpose, builds teams, encourages engagement, and supports personal and professional development—key aspects of a positive working culture. Additionally, when corporations demonstrate social responsibility, they often cultivate a more diverse and inclusive culture.
Bill Malloy 