Error of deferred giving
Giving benefit to company
Incorporating consistent charitable values in the workplace provides substantial benefit to employees and stakeholders, including work fulfillment, staff retention, greater cross departmental cohesion between teams, and a broader understanding of culture and mission within a company. Instead of weaving charity into the organizational culture, too often companies boil work down to solely trying to make a dollar. Of course, business's primary purpose is the sale of goods and services to make profit. But workers throughout the United States believe that there must be more than the hunt for profit.
Why wait to give
As they approach the end of their careers, many professionals dedicate their final productive years to "helping others" or "giving back." We recently talked with a very successful COO who made a career move specifically to free up time for pursuing philanthropic endeavors. This professional had worked in corporate America for decades. With the end of life now on the horizon, the manager believed it was time to seize the opportunity - to dedicate time and energy to helping others.
But, why wait? Why do individuals hold off on a generous living attitude while pursuing a career? Why wait for the death horizon to shine before dedicating oneself to assisting others in need?
People who believe it necessary to leave their current corporate positions to pursue altruism feel that their situation eliminates the possibility of making a charitable impact in the world. More often than not, the person's view of their philanthropic involvement creates an idea of insufficiency. Spending hours upon hours serving a commercial organization eclipses any charitable endeavors, resulting in a lack of fulfillment and the perceived need to set out on a new path to accomplish good.
A better way
There is a better way. Companies need to invest time and resources in helping their staff know the impact they are making in other people's lives, even while working on behalf of the company. Invest in corporate giving campaigns that report the difference made to stakeholders and ensure all employees know they have a part in making the goodness happen. Peer reviews and award programs can be used to reinforce charitable values expressed within the company. Allow fellow staff to acknowledge the philanthropic actions of their coworkers. Peer acknowledgment will work to elevate charity within the organization.
Successful business leaders are creating more fulfilling work environments and better teams through corporate giving programs and social responsibility campaigns. These professionals are not waiting. Rather, they have incorporated charity into their overall operations.
Overcome the hurdles
There are compelling reasons why companies wait on philanthropy, including a lack of time, connections, and resources. But there are ways to overcome these impediments. Time can be an issue when your staff is responsible for conducting the charitable outreach. Working with charity partners like Mite.org takes the onus off company employees and puts it in the hands of professionals who work within the charitable world every day. Charity partners also answer the question of connections. Finding a trustworthy nonprofit can be a daunting task. However, organizations like Mite.org give corporate donors options through well-vetted and meticulously planned outreach, guaranteeing impact.
The final hurdle mentioned is resources. The great fallacy that keeps most individuals and corporations from engaging in philanthropy is that the little they have to give will not do any good. This lie intends to keep people from enjoying the benefit of fulfillment and joy received from giving. Be aware that your donation, no matter the size, can change lives. The key is whether those with something to give will give it, no matter how large or small. There is no reason to put off actions that benefit you, your coworkers, and people in need. Start your giving journey today. Connect with charity partners like Mite.org and give.