Research from Harvard, Berkeley, Forbes and ThriveGlobal among others, all report the same thing: giving back is good for your health. A growing amount of research indicates that volunteering and donating to charities has a positive impact on physical and mental health.
Many organizations support the causes and needs within their community – not to just help make a difference, but because they also recognize the merits to their organization as well. Organizations bringing people together to promote a good cause contributes to team building and fosters bonds, helpful in creating a positive working environment.
There are lots of ways to encourage and support volunteering. Clark & Lavey encourages employees to participate in organizations that are important to them by providing employees “A Day of Caring”. Each year, employees can request a paid day off to volunteer for an organization they wish to support. Over the years employees have volunteered at the local soup kitchen, rang the donation bell for the Salvation Army, and done yard work and painted at non-profit facilities.
As a team, we’ve collected clothing, conducted food drives and collected toys for Toys for Tots, a program Clark & Lavey founder, Paul Clark, has been involved with for more than 20 years. The company provides tickets for employees who want to attend client events and fundraisers. It’s a fun night for employees and we’re supporting and promoting a good cause.
Volunteering and giving back is something every organization can do – it doesn’t matter whether your company is large or small. Select causes or organizations that matter to your employees and company. You’ll continue to reap the benefits long after the activity is over.