Companies that engage in philanthropic activities are more likely to see gains in their employee productivity and retention. For one reason, highly socially aware employees appreciate the chance to contribute to causes that matter, and another, most employees enjoy extra-curricular activities that elevate their work-days out of the ordinary. Overall, employees will experience greater work-place satisfaction that translates into higher rates of productivity and investment in their jobs.

In synch with work
A standard concern for management when it comes to activities outside the bounds of business is effects to the bottom line if employees aren’t plugged into their work 100% of the time. For most managers, reducing distractions is the goal, not handing out a big distraction on a plate like a day of volunteering. However, though it may seem like a step back at first blush, volunteering or charity work is really two steps forward in the company’s efforts to generate highly motivated employees.

Today’s workforce highly regards companies that care about the community. Most workers will double-down on their efforts to keep up on their workloads in order to participate in an activity, and many find themselves feeling better after giving back, channeling into their performance as they attain a higher level of satisfaction at work. So really, what goes around comes around; when you give employees a chance to participate in charity work or volunteering, they will produce better work, allowing you to gain an advantage in the market.

When you partner with the community, you develop a reputation as a vital community resource that affords your organization a higher level of prestige. The more you do, the more your reputation grows, and the more impact you have in the market. People will want to join your organization and others will want to work with you. It’s also a solid marketing strategy to develop name recognition because your name or logo really gets out there.

Take control
You control the parameters of the organization’s focus on giving back. Limit or expand the scope of effort you want to put toward philanthropy. From simply donating proceeds after a lunch-hour bake sale to sponsoring a local 5K charity run, you have plenty of options that require either low-level or high amounts of effort. In addition, you can also decide the extent that you want to create engagement. It’s up to you whether you offer an annual charity event, a quarterly activity, or a random opportunity throughout the year. Whichever and however you decide to participate, it’s to your organization’s benefit to get involved.

So, while you’re revving up the crew for a great fiscal year or new quarter, don’t forget to muster up volunteers for one or more charity events this year.