I\u2019m in the midst of planning a charity BBQ to raise money for breast cancer research and in between coordinating donations, promoting the event and encouraging people to donate, I started to think about the value that comes from employees that contribute their time and energy to a worthy cause.\u00a0 I also thought about how organizations can better support what matters to employees.<\/p>\n
Every employee has something they care about. For many, this will include a charity or cause that is close to their heart.\u00a0 In my family alone, we each focus on fundraising energies in slightly different ways.\u00a0 My mother is a long time volunteer for the Heart & Stroke among many other causes, my sister supports the diabetes centre that cares for my nieces with Type 1 Diabetes,\u00a0 I raise money for breast cancer research in honour of a cousin who died\u2026and my father supports all of these causes plus several local events.\u00a0 We all have a common focus on giving back and supporting organizations that are making a positive contribution, but we each hone in on something meaningful for us.\u00a0 Employees are the same. While they may participate in your corporate plan to donate to organizations such as the United Way, they likely have other events that are meaningful to them because of a personal connection.<\/p>\n
Taking interest in what is important to employees, extends beyond just their charitable efforts.\u00a0 It may be a hobby like photography or a sport like rock climbing that gets your team members\u2019 juices going.\u00a0 Whatever it is, leaders should take the time to learn about what matters to their employees and find unique ways to support those efforts.\u00a0 It might be a lunch \u2018n learn where a few employees share interesting things they are doing outside of work.\u00a0 Colleagues may choose to support each other by getting involved, donating if it\u2019s a charitable cause, or attending an event\u00a0such as cheering on their colleague at a dragon boat race.<\/p>\n
Corporately, many organizations have corporate matching programs whereby if an employee donates to a charity the organization will match the donation up to a maximum.\u00a0 This approach is excellent because achieves several goals:<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have a corporate matching program, consider how you can create an environment that supports employees\u2019 charitable efforts.\u00a0 Could you \u201craffle off\u201d your parking spot for a week to the highest bidder?\u00a0 How about a competition to \u201cwin\u201d a half-day off work?<\/p>\n
If there are team members that are committed to other passions, think of ways to engage the team to support them. What about an exhibit of an employee\u2019s art work or photography?\u00a0 Or a team outing with group t-shirts to experience a cooking class lead by an employee who has a passion for culinary arts? The goal is to build stronger connections with employees which in turn increases engagement, performance, strengthens loyalty and makes for a fun work environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Caring About What Your Employees Care About I\u2019m in the midst of planning a charity BBQ to raise money for breast cancer research and in between coordinating donations, promoting the event and encouraging people to donate, I started to think … Continue reading