Supporting your community does not have to be expensive or time-consuming — every small act of kindness can have large ripples throughout your area. As the world recovers from the pandemic, people across all industries are looking to be supported and in turn, for ways to support others. Now more than ever, businesses have a responsibility to give back to their communities that have supported them. One way to do this is by introducing a benefits program that includes Community Giveback initiatives.
Developing a meaningful philanthropy program is a win-win for both businesses and their communities. Investing in giveback initiatives allows businesses to strengthen their community, which in turn strengthens their business by empowering employees to build more meaningful community connections.
Making a Meaningful Program
The key to a meaningful Community Giveback plan is employee empowerment. Team Members should be the catalyst to how a company gives back because they are the people engaging with the community every day at work. Providing Team Members with the financial resources, the time, and the autonomy to choose where, when and how they give back makes an initiative meaningful because it empowers them to connect with their community on a deeper level outside of work.
A Sense of Autonomy
Charity match programs are an effective way to allow Team Members to give back to their communities without a financial burden. They can range in amount and give employees an option to donate to a cause of their choice using company dollars. By giving members of your hospital this level of philanthropic autonomy, donations are reaching diverse parts of the community and the staff feels inspired to make an impact.
Plus, 71% of surveyed employees say it is imperative or very important to work where culture is supportive of autonomous giving and volunteering.
Building Relationships
The most meaningful experiences happen in person, right? Setting aside Paid Time Off (PTO) for Volunteering is another way to make a meaningful community giveback plan for your business. PTO for volunteering allows Team Members to impact and connect with their community in person, without taking away from their down time outside of work. Team members could choose when and where they volunteer, or a company can offer group volunteering which strengthens the work team and community.
Pro-bono Services
Many Veterinarians want to offer pro-bono services to their community to connect and give back. Whether it’s hosting a discounted vaccine day for low-income families or visiting the nearest shelter on their day off to vaccinate shelter pets, pro-bono services are another effective way to empower Team Members to give back.