Invite employees to be a part of your corporate philanthropy program
Corporate philanthropy can go well beyond sending a company check. While donations are always appreciated, companies are finding that an employee volunteer program can be a powerful companion strategy for their corporate giving program.
Busy executives worry about taking on yet another initiative. But they shouldn’t. There are employees in your organization who will be the drivers behind the program. You just need to find them and empower them to take the lead.
A great way to do that is to start with an employee survey. You have an overarching corporate philanthropy program in place. Adding an employee engagement program starts by knowing what –within your focus area – employees can get excited about. Ask them.
Get them engaged by asking their opinion
An employee survey allows you to hear the opinions and get buy-in from employees. What causes are you employees interested in? How they would like to be involved in those programs? What ways can your team give back?
Our favorite approach is a quick online survey. Whatever tool you use, you can ask both open ended questions using a comment box, and you can give employees a series of options to narrow their selection to a few top choices. Plus, you can invite employees to volunteer. Those who volunteer are your starting team.
With the survey results in hand, get that volunteer team together for a strategy session. You have a direction and need to figure out how to get things moving. You need a plan with some goals and a timeline.
Based on that plan, you can engage employees in a program that builds teams, enhances morale, and helps you attract and retain great employees – all while you contribute something of value to the community.
Your program might include an employee day-off program where everyone is supported in taking a day to volunteer with a local nonprofit. You might take on a done-in-a-day project where you go as a team to clean up, rebuild or restore. You might host an event to collect items or funds for a cause you all agree to. It will look different for each organization and that’s why the benefits are great. The program supports your unique team and culture.
Today, writing a check is just the first step for a company to give back to their community. While it’s still essential to give financially, another big piece of the puzzle is employee engagement.
Let us know: What would be helpful for your organization to learn how to collaborate more effectively?
