Giving Back: Good for the Community, Good for Employee Engagement

It’s important to give back to the community, and when companies prioritize charitable giving and volunteer work, not only do they engage positively with their community, but their employees become more engaged as well. According to the 2017 Doing Good Is Good for You study, 75 percent of employees who volunteer through employer-sponsored programs feel better about their company. The mental and emotional benefits are even more significant, with 93 percent saying their moods improved, 79 percent reporting lower levels of stress, and 88 percent saying their self-esteem increased. “What started out as a mission to give back to our local community has not only boosted morale among our employees but has enhanced our relationship with our clients,” says Jim Shields, principal of Shields Legal Group. “Building a company culture of service and generosity is a winning proposition, no matter the size of your company.” This altruistic approach is particularly important for organizations looking to attract Millennial talent. Younger people want to work for organizations that are positive forces in their communities, and by giving back, everyone wins.