By Kate Olsen
A portfolio approach is a key differentiator between an employee social impact program that just checks the box and a truly dynamic program that speaks to the interests, skills and capacity of a diverse workforce. Here are five opportunities you can add to your company’s portfolio to engage a wider swath of employees in your cause initiatives.
1) Employee Giving Program that allows employees to donate via credit card or payroll deduction to their charity of choice. Traditionally, employee giving programs run on an annual basis, but to increase engagement and enthusiasm companies can create time-bound, themed giving campaigns throughout the year.
2) Organized Volunteer Days that provide a gateway experience with a low time commitment (1 day a year or a few hours every couple months). Not every employee will want to take on big community investment projects, but many will want to feel a part of a corporate culture that values service.
4) Pro Bono/Skills-Based Service options that allow employees to take on nonprofit projects alongside paid work that require the same skills set. Skills-based projects have double benefits in that they allow employees to build capacity in the social sector (and feel good about giving back) and enhance professional skills and perspectives that make them better at their day job.
5) Personal Sustainability Initiative that allows employees to manage their own environmental footprint at work and empowers them to suggest (and implement) programs that lessen the company’s environmental footprint, too.
How can your company use this approach to bolster employee engagement?
