An investment you can trust

Company leaders must constantly assess the ROI of system-wide programs and initiatives. Things that were once considered simply good business practice, such as community and philanthropic involvement, are now considered an investment. After all, in business, what is more valuable than your time and money? However, community involvement remains an investment whose power can never be underestimated. True participation in charitable programs remains one of the easiest methods for increasing corporate awareness, recruiting and retaining employees, and giving back to the community that supports you.

Common sense dictates that philanthropic involvement is an easy and enjoyable way to positively position your company with shareholders, investors, customers, and employees. Your participation not only improves your image with those who have a personal interest, but it is also a good way to generate positive media coverage for your company.

More importantly, community involvement can do wonders for employee morale, which can lead to increased productivity and a pleasant, team-centered work environment. Additionally, coming together for a common cause promotes teamwork and a desire to learn new skills and practices. Many companies use philanthropic programs in the workplace to retain their employees and even recruit new ones. Job seekers are often drawn to companies that give back to their communities and allow them personal time away from the office to volunteer. In fact, 58% of companies use their employee volunteer programs to recruit and retain employees, according to the Corporate Volunteer Program as a Strategic Resource.

Your participation not only benefits your company and employees, ultimately the organization you are supporting has a better success rate due to your goodwill and generosity; He has opened the doors for them to convey his message. Additionally, your company’s involvement may have helped them achieve their own goals, whether it be increasing their volunteer base, community support, or in-kind and / or monetary donations.

Obviously, donating corporate time and money for community involvement is a win-win situation, yet there are literally hundreds of credible organizations in your community who want and need your support. How do you choose the right one for your business? Almost 82% of companies focus their employee volunteer programs on critical business functions. (That is, those in the real estate business start out with programs like Habitat for Humanity). Additionally, programs that are directly related to the community you are in, or programs that are universal to all businesses and lifestyles, are also great places to start looking. The good news is, any nonprofit you decide to support will be grateful and eager for your participation.

It may seem like a cliché, but making your employees and company name known in the community can be one way to achieve your corporate mission. Let everyone – your company, employees and the community itself – win. But remember that with community involvement, as with the many important things in life, you get what you invest in.

Source: Corporate volunteering program as a strategic resource