Guest Article
You work hard. Your employees do, too. But do you focus on just making money or are you a part of the local community where you do business? Making time for volunteer service could be good for your business and your neighborhood. But, it can be hard to find the time to run your business, and give to others. So why should you carve out time to volunteer? Here are three ways how volunteer service could boost your small business.
Employee Satisfaction. One of the most widely-publicized reasons to get involved in volunteering is employee satisfaction and morale, and for good reason. The City of London, England published a study in 2010, that reported 94 percent of companies surveyed found that volunteering had a positive impact on employee morale. Other studies show that volunteering can have even more tangible benefits, including boosting employee health. As a small business owner, the health and attitude of just a few employees can have an enormous impact on your company’s success, so make sure to tend to it.
Maximize the benefits that employees gain from volunteering by finding out what opportunities your employees would be interested in. Sometimes, volunteer opportunities can give back to the employees in other ways, too. Local theaters often appreciate help ushering in exchange for admittance to a show or two—a great way to have a low-cost company function that benefits everyone.
Employee Recruitment. Volunteering is a great way to recruit new employees. As a greater percentage of the workforce is dominated by millennials, it is important to note what draws this generation into wanting to work at a company. Generation Y is skeptical of anything that resembles “the rat race,” and so a guarantee of a good benefits package and work in their industry is less likely to attract their attention or applications. Volunteering, however, is the avenue to reach these skilled workers.
One survey indicated that as many as 62 percent of millennial employees reported that the presence of a volunteer program would be a deciding factor in deciding between two jobs of equal caliber. Furthermore, the millennial workers who would care about this are the ones you want working for your business as they will prove to be conscientious and responsible workers, so it is in your favor to court their interests. By demonstrating to future and current employees your commitment to the community, you are much more likely to increase employee satisfaction and draw in high-achieving, hard-working contributors to your company. People who spend their time giving back to their communities are more likely to be helpful contributors to your vision.
Customer Outreach. Another popular reason for corporate volunteering is new customer outreach. Your company employees will be able to wear your t-shirts and get your brand into wider view. Plus, potential customers are wary to do business with a company that doesn’t have their best at heart. It is crucial that you volunteer for a cause you and your company cares about—people can tell the different between a gimmick and true commitment. A company truly committed to the success of the community can expect to see their community members and local customers trust them more. The era of the ethical consumer is upon us, and if people can be confident that their money is going to a reliable, selfless and thoughtful entrepreneur, you will have devoted life-long customers.
The benefits you have to gain from volunteering span beyond those for your business. You will find that your own health will increase as you spend time on others. Another benefit of volunteering is the ability to test and learn new skill sets—ones you can then put to use in your own business. Even if the skill sets aren’t new, you can use this opportunity to network yourself and talk to other experienced voices in marketing and management. By far, the biggest benefit you can gain from volunteering is how it affects your relationship with the community. Having a heart and mind for your community helps you grow – not just as a business owner, but as a person. And what is the point of having a business if it doesn’t build you as a person as well?
How have you gotten involved and what have you learned from your experience? I would love to hear from you!
About the author: Allysia Lowe is a social media and branding advisor currently working with Leighmans. When she isn’t researching new ways for businesses to empower themselves, she explores her love of photography.
“Concept Graphic – People Or Kids Icons Together As Circle” courtesy of smarnadcourtesy / www.freedigitalphotos.net
As an experienced Assistant Project Director for a Tri-County CAA ; one aspect of my job was to recruit, train and retain volunteers which required me to physically meet with business owners and other active citizens on a weekly basis. In order for this type of relationship to work several things must fall into place : common beliefs, value of offering, honest potential for career growth.
Wonderful list of the benefits of volunteerism! When I first started my solo-biz, I embarked on what I call several “strategic volunteerism” opportunities. That involvement helped me make connections, raise awareness, and hone skills. I ended up over-committing myself to volunteer endeavors and found I didn’t have enough time to move my business forward effectively! It’s very important for people to set boundaries so they don’t take on too much of a good thing.
That said – volunteerism can be a marvelous professional development and marketing tool when used wisely!
There is a fourth benefit for volunteering you or your employee’s time and effort with a local charity and that is that doing so may get you a business link in a publication. I’m not talking here about any SEO benefit (although such links can be of great value) but rather the fact that other local influential people and/or businesses who also volunteer will see your company’s name and website link and will perhaps think of you the next time they are in need of your services.