12 Dec Support the community that supports you: 4 reasons every business should give back
An increasing number of Australian organisations are emphasising social responsibility and a community focus.
This is because they’re beginning to see the truth: that they are a part of the community. And that their success is because of that community.
But giving back doesn’t just contribute to the wellbeing of others. When you support the community, your business also stands to benefit – in many ways.
From positive brand perception to stronger team relationships, here’s how your business will become even better by giving back.
1. It speaks volumes about your values
Actions truly do speak louder than words here.
Don’t just say that you admire not-for-profit charities that support people with disabilities and their families. Encourage your team to participate in challenges to raise funds and increase awareness to the work these organisations do.
Don’t just say that you care about mental health. Be a part of fundraisers such as Movember and support Beyond Blue as well as the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Don’t just say something. Back it up by making a tangible difference in your community.
Clients and customers want to spend their dollars with businesses that care about what matters to them. And giving back broadcasts what your business stands for.
Positive branding like this establishes your team as doers and changemakers who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
2. It boosts morale and supports professional development
A passion project for social good can foster authentic and positive relationships with your team.
Ask your staff about the causes that are close to their hearts and how they’d like to support them. This is an easy way to create open communication and build rapport within your team.
Being involved in charity and community initiatives makes your employees feel good, take pride in where they work – and forge even stronger working relationships.
Volunteering also offers opportunities for staff to develop soft skills, such as resilience, conflict resolution and empathetic cross-cultural communication.
The best part? All the new skills and relationships they develop through volunteering will return to the workplace with them.
Supporting the community supports your employees to do their best work.
3. It expands your network
Finding new partnerships for your organisation can be invaluable.
It can also be very difficult to get an introduction or find common ground with a prospective partner organisation. This is where volunteering and community work can break the ice.
Any organisation that your business interacts with while volunteering already has one value in common with yours: a commitment to supporting the community.
What better foundation to build a lasting partnership?
4. It helps you attract top talent
People want to work at a place that cares – and whose values align with theirs.
To make your organisation stand out to talented and skilled individuals, you need to support the autonomy and passions of your team.
An easy way to do this is to promote employee-led social initiatives.
By showcasing that your business helps employees give back to their communities, you are highlighting to potential team members that their opinions will be heard – and they will be valued within your business.
Time to make a difference?
At the end of the day, giving back shows that your organisation values more than just profits.
That you value people. That you want to make a meaningful difference. And that you want to leave a lasting impact.
So whether it’s through donations, pro bono work or volunteering, find a way to get involved and give back to your community in whichever way you can.