Corporate giving can be difficult and complicated. It’s admittedly yet another stressor during the already-stressful holiday season. However, it’s also one of the most important things a business can do. Here’s why you should consider giving back as a company and how to do it effectively.
Why give back?
Of course giving back is a good thing. Everyone knows that. However, there are some very tangible reasons why businesses should actively pursue philanthropy. First, it helps attract and retain top talent. Your employees value ethical companies. According to a 2009 study by Kelly Services Inc., almost 90 percent of respondents said that they are more likely to work for a socially and ethically responsible company. Consumers, too, value companies that give back – an individual is much more likely to buy a product that s/he knows possesses some additional social benefit.
On a softer note, giving back allows your business to connect more intimately with the local community. Oftentimes, you’ll get to know the people who live and work nearby in an informal setting. Helping out the community also supports your company’s values and shows the world that your company is not just talk—it takes action.
How to give back?
Simple donations out of company profits are of course the most straightforward way to give. Depending on profits, they may even be the most viable option in helping your community this year. If you are a smaller business with limited resources, however, this might not be the best choice – or even feasible. If that’s the case, it’s time to get creative.
There is no one answer to what the best way to give back is. It’s going to depend on your community and your company. However, if you want to go beyond giving financially, below are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
- Discover the real needs
What do people need this holiday season? Gifts for their kids, someone to wrap their presents, dinner to put on the table? Or maybe something more off the beaten path. Youth safety training? A job fair? It doesn’t have to be mainstream to be appropriate. - Make it bigger than your business
On one hand, you could ask your employees to bring in some canned food. On the other, you could invite the community to bring in food as tickets to a family movie night event. Strive to reach beyond the walls of your building. It will make the event much more meaningful – and hopefully more impactful. - Partner with other local businesses
You might not have much capital, but you have people. The office down the street might have just the opposite. Maybe that local restaurant would even be willing to provide a venue. Teaming up is a great way to create an event big enough to generate some real local involvement.
I encourage you to take some time this week and get a small group of people together to make an action plan. Your company’s way of giving back doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Find what you can do and go for it.
We invite you to help us give back this holiday season! Join us on December 5th at 5pm at the Handlebar Tempe on Mill Avenue for our second annual Operation: Social Santa toy drive. More details and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1467537710138546/.
Sources:
http://businessethicsblog.com/2012/01/31/how-can-business-give-back-to-society/
http://truist.com/6-ways-giving-back-is-good-for-businesses/
