We are rapidly approaching the end of the year, a special time often characterized by the phrase “’tis the season.” It’s a time when we celebrate with family and friends, and show care and concern for others. We reflect back upon the past year and we plan for the year ahead. This month’s question looks at these activities from a business perspective and asks what can be done within the company to foster a spirit of volunteerism and support for charitable causes that are important to the employee. 

Question: On a limited basis, our company donates units and/or offers discounts for charitable events throughout the year. Some of these events are sponsored by our construction customers or the communities we serve. How can we create a culture of support for causes that are valued by our employees?    

Answer: Employees are the most important asset in your company and they need to know that they are valued in both their professional and in their personal lives. Communicate to all employees the desire for the company to become involved in supporting charitable causes that are important to them. 

How important is this issue? A survey by America’s Charities published in February 2022 revealed that among employers, 87% of companies understand there is an expectation to support causes that are important to employees. Among employees, 48% of donors say it is imperative or very important that their employers allow them to pursue their individual charitable interests. 

Begin this process by surveying employees as to any causes or charitable organizations that they are involved in or would like to become involved in. This action demonstrates to all employees that the company is interested in their outside interests and is committed to assisting, if possible. Be sure to emphasize that these worthwhile causes are charitable in nature and do not in any way represent political or social issues. 

Here are several suggestions that we have heard and some that we adopted throughout the years that we owned our own business:

Sponsorship of events

• Financially, while the company should have a limit on donations of equipment, consider some donations to charitable organizations that are of importance to groups of employees. For example, perhaps the company donates three fewer units to a construction company’s annual picnic and then donates three units to a charitable walk in which several employees annually participate.    
• One of the most significant charitable contributions is to participate as a major sponsor for an organization that is supported by a large number of employees. This action demonstrates the company’s commitment to the employees, encourages employee participation, advertises the company to the community and, depending on the type of charitable organization, could be a tax-deductible expense.
• If your company cannot be a major sponsor at an event, consider becoming involved at another level. An excellent example is a PRO sponsoring one hole at a charity golf tournament. A large corporation sponsors the event while 18 other companies sponsor an individual hole with their company’s name and logo displayed exclusively in that area. All companies had their information listed in the tournament’s advertising and social media campaigns.
• Sponsor employees as part of their participation in events that they choose. Walks and runs are quite popular and supporting the employee for each mile run, walked or swum is a way to show commitment to that particular cause.  
• Fundraising events vary widely in size and in scope. Consider your company supporting employees to participate in yard sales, bake sales, car shows and similar fundraising activities. The company can make a certain predetermined contribution to these events.

Promoting ongoing volunteer work by employees

While events are major sources of funds for charities, these annual, quarterly or monthly efforts cannot be overshadowed by the day-to-day needs of these organizations. Phone calls for prospective donors, social media and ad campaigns to publicize the work of the organization, and planning and organizing prior to the larger events are critical needs of most charities. 

Several creative ways in which your employees might support company-approved charities could include:   

• Volunteering while at the office. Management works with the employee to determine a time where the charity may need additional help to recruit or to promote an event with other business entities. Since these calls need to be made during “normal business hours,” an agreement might be made that the employee can make calls as a volunteer on behalf of the charity for one hour a day for the week when these important calls need to be made.
• Paid time off for volunteering. Some companies will allocate a certain number of hours in a specified period where the employee can help the charity while being paid by the company. This might be the day before a major event or function. Employee performance and seniority, along with the needs of the business would be determining factors in establishing such an arrangement. 
• Monetary grants are based on the number of hours an employee volunteers. Similar to the stipulations above, only certain employees should be eligible for this benefit. 

Additional benefits

Employee retention and recruitment are two of the most common responses that we have heard from business owners who promote and support charitable giving. “The company thinks more of me than just a job holder” is the reason that many employees choose to establish a career at companies. A company’s reputation as a “good company to work for” is important in recruiting top-notch employees.

Encouraging and promoting opportunities where multiple employees can volunteer together strengthens teamwork at your company. Employees who may have minimal interaction at work can become closer by volunteering at the same charitable function. 

Many managers find that employee leadership skills improve in their working with others at these events.   

Finally, your company can also benefit as a result of demonstrating support for charities. Prospective customers also support and participate in these functions and events. Business relationships can be formed while volunteering for a common cause. 

Final thoughts

A company that can not only provide a productive environment for its employees and their families but also give back to the local community is commendable. A company, however, that encourages and supports its employees in their own personal efforts to help their community is truly successful.