How Philanthropy Motivates Your Employees

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In an effort to pad their culture and motivate employees, many companies spring for superficial trappings—ping-pong tables, casual Fridays, fridges stocked with exciting snacks. These things are fine, but their appeal is fleeting. Once the novelty wears off, their motivational power is diminished.

But what if I told you there was a motivational technique that offers much more lasting value? What I’m talking about is philanthropy—or, if you rather, corporate social responsibility. Align your company with a cause. Allow your employees to feel like they are adding value to the world; that they—and your company—are part of something bigger, and something good.

This sense of mission, of doing good in the world, can keep employees engaged with their work and optimistic about the impact they are making. That’s what makes it such a valuable addition to your company culture.

In fact, we can break it down further still. Three specific reasons to adopt a culture of philanthropy include:

1. It leads to happiness. There’s something to be said for a happy employee base! Philanthropic giving stimulates the brain and causes the release of endorphins, so there is true, physiological happiness generated here—and that, in turn, leads to lower turnover and higher productivity.


2. It allows your team to bond. A culture of philanthropy fosters a sense of camaraderie; everyone is working together and has a common objective, which can increase your team’s sense of cohesion. This impacts all levels of your business.


3. It’s fulfilling. Your employees may not feel totally, inwardly satisfied by meeting big sales goals—at least, not forever. But active kindness and compassion can go a long way toward boosting that sense of fulfillment—and again, the result is lower turnover, higher workplace satisfaction.

As we enter the holidays, there is no better time to embrace a spirit of giving. The effects on your culture can be incredible.

Source: B2C