Don't just give. Invest.

Are you a company that gives, or one that truly invests in helping others? Many companies give money to charities and provide opportunities for their employees to donate, but fewer actually invest substantial time in doing good or make it a routine part of their culture. Please don’t get me wrong – corporate giving is a wonderful and much needed thing, but if we are being honest, as companies isn’t our giving sometimes like dropping an occasional dollar in the cup of a homeless person? Of course we do it to help, but we do it because it makes us feel better too, and that’s where it ends.

So, why not take it a step further? Why not provide your employees with regular time to invest in something? Not only will this affirm your commitment to giving back, but it will also empower your employees to make a difference. Within a company, being united in an effort to do good for others can break down barriers and create camaraderie. It can boost employee morale and lead to higher retention. Here are a few ways to create a culture of giving:

• Provide your employees with paid time off each year to participate in community service efforts.
  
• Find a charity or cause that your company can rally around, and encourage regular donations of both money and / or time from your employees. If you’re not sure what causes they would be interested in supporting, ask them.
  
• Organize annual days of service where employees can work side-by-side in support of a cause. (Trust me, this will be the best and most inexpensive team building opportunity you will ever have!)
  
• Dedicate a percentage of your annual revenue to corporate giving, and communicate that to your employees. In times of plenty, give more.
  
• Lead by example, and with whatever you choose to support, be consistent.

Giving is good, but investing is better.