Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide annual campaign taking place in October, involving thousands of organizations, to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research. During this time of year, employees and companies should take time to examine the impact of charity initiatives in the workplace, whether it be Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Local Coat Drives, Toys for Tots, Red Cross Natural Disaster Relief or any other charity of corporate choice. 

Offering opportunities for corporate community outreach and charity work can be implemented within your existing employee engagement program, playing a crucial role in making employees feel satisfied through giving back. Read on to learn more about how charity initiatives not only support society but can inspire further engagement in the workplace.  

Charity Can Improve Overall Employee Wellbeing

It’s no secret that empowered employees feel happier with their jobs. In fact, according to Deloitte’s 2017 Millennial Survey, professionals who feel empowered in their workplace are about 45% more likely to stay five or more years, 85% more likely to be socially optimistic and 28% more likely to view their organizations’ impact positively. 

Charity is a powerful way to fuel employee engagement. Workers are actively seeking out places that are supportive of charitable work. According to America’s Charities, 71% of employees say it is ‘imperative’ or ‘very important’ to them to work at an organization with a culture that is supportive of giving.

Not only can charitable initiatives further engage and motivate your employees from a business perspective, but giving back is also one of the most effective ways to improve happiness and wellbeing. It creates a positive sense of purpose. When employees can contribute to charity initiatives, they have a stronger connection to the impact of their work. In other words, team members involved in giving back are happier.

Making Charity Initiatives Work

While charitable initiatives can significantly benefit employees, it is important that the program is authentic, organized and communicated effectively. One tip if you are unsure where to start is to consult an organization such as Charity Navigator, a resource that helps evaluate charities and provides an unbiased analysis on a charity’s financial health. 

Below are a few additional recommendations for best practices when it comes to organizing a company-wide charity effort: 

• Employee-Driven: Let your team members take the helm with giving. For example, you could have the team collectively decide on what organization(s) to support. Select an organization that fits with your company mission and that is close to your employees’ hearts.
• Make it a Priority: It is easy to set up a charity initiative and let it fade into the background. For those that volunteer to participate, communicate the opportunities of participation, allow employees to take time off to volunteer, consider company matched contributions to employee donations, and take a position on what your organization values through a company issued announcement. 
• Reward Contributions: Recognize charity efforts within the organization. Give employees a reason to contribute. Include charity-based rewards within your program, which allows employees to redeem points for extended gift giving. 

Choose the Right Partner

Effectively correlating employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives in the workplace can be difficult, which is why partnering with the right solution provider is paramount. 

Whether you or your company choose to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness Month or another charitable organization, a well-executed engagement and charity program can not only give back to society but will empower your team members and improve their wellbeing. Not only is that a great thing to do for your employees, but it is also a powerful way to supercharge your workplace culture. 

Rymax has the tools and strategy to help bring your custom-tailored employee engagement and recognition program to life, highlighting all the details to help your company and its employees succeed and work better. Rymax also offers the Charity Choice card as part of it is Gift Card Reward Collection, so clients can include charity-based rewards in employee and customer programs.  

Contact us today to get started on a meaningful way of work.