Image Source: http://www.time-to-care.org

Of course, giving back feels great. But many businesses struggle to find the time, or resources, to interrupt a work day in the name of charity.

Here’s something that might help: by giving back, you’re also positioning your company for success. The lost wages and productivity from one afternoon of office-wide volunteer work can have massive returns. But how?

New Connections

Charity work is a great way to network with like-minded businesses. While you’re making connections with other companies that share your philanthropic outlook, you’re making an impression in your community, too.

Try it. Hold a 5k fun-run to benefit your local soup kitchen. You can encourage the community – along with other local businesses — to participate.

Build Brand Reputation

Social responsibility is becoming more and more valuable in today’s world, especially among Millennials. When a company shares its values – like giving back – it creates an opportunity for clients to connect with it, not just on a professional level, but on a personal, moral level. That kind of relationship is the foundation for loyalty.

Try it. Set up an office volunteer clean-up crew, and schedule regular visits – along with branded tees – to local beaches and parks.

Employee Retention

Simply put, employees like working for someone with moral character. If you care about giving back to the community, chances are you care about the well-being of your employees too. That message will come across loud and clear in your work environment.

Try it. Open up the company parking lot for a cash wash to benefit a local boys and girls charity. Make it a team-building exercise by creating big, colourful posters in the morning and set up the car wash after lunch.