Today we’re covering a topic near and dear to our hearts, giving back. Organizations can help support the community and increase employee engagement by getting involved in their local communities. Below we will break down the benefits of corporate giving and five simple ways to start.
How Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Gives Back
At Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers we understand the importance of connecting with and giving back - near and far. We recently partnered with Race Communications to provide hundreds of toothbrushes to families impacted by the forest fires in California and we regularly donate brushes to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless’ youth initiatives.
Why Give Back?
Giving Back Creates a Better Work Environment
90% of employed Americans believe that companies that sponsor a volunteer initiative have better working environments than companies that don’t. That statistic isn’t surprising. Giving back helps employees feel more invested in their place of work and allows team members to build strong relationships.
Corporate Philanthropy Improves Brand Awareness
Corporate philanthropy will generate positive press and create positive brand awareness among your community, customers, and employees. This buzz can attract top talent to your company and even boost sales. The more you give, the more positive recognition your brand will receive.
How Can You Give Back?
Below are five ways you can start giving back to your community today. Always choose a cause that aligns well with your brand’s mission, and you’ll be off to a great start!
1. Offer Time and ExpertiseUse your company's unique skills or offerings for good. Like any other business, nonprofits need accounting, legal, marketing, and operations departments to keep them running. Companies with these specialties can be of great help to nonprofits by offering their services pro-bono.
2. Food Pantry Drives
Donating food is a common cause to give back to, and for a good reason. Hunger in America exists for over 50 million people. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children.
3. Give Back as a Team
Help your team realize how much of an impact they can make in their local community by organizing a volunteering project. Giving back as a team is a great way to encourage employee engagement and create valuable team-building opportunities.
4. Offer Time Off for Staff to Volunteer
If you believe in philanthropy as a company, give employees time to give back without cutting into their paid vacation. Salesforce is leading the way in VTO. Employees get seven paid days of volunteer time off every year. Find an amount of time that you can give your employees to volunteer.
5. Find Unique Opportunities
There are many out-of-the-box opportunities for companies to give back too. For example, consider sponsoring a local children’s sports team or spread kindness to children in need by building teddy bears. Charity can be both fun and rewarding!
Key Takeaways - The Benefits of Companies Giving Back
Giving back enriches not only your work culture but also serves community members in need.
- Giving back creates a better work environment and positive brand recognition.
- Find a unique opportunity that works best for your team to give back.
- Empower team members to give back by providing VTO.
- Make it fun! Volunteering should feel good.
How does your organization give back? Comment below and let us know!
Written by Mouthwatchers, LLC Staff - August 2021