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| CRBJ Home > December 2006 | |||||
The countless benefits of givingBy Jay Loewi
When corporate giving involves employees volunteering their time to help an organization, several benefits are recognized. Whether serving on non-profit boards or helping to feed the homeless, employees gain experience in areas they may not have exposure to in their paid careers, learning new skills that may be transferable in unforeseen ways while providing organizations with needed time and expertise. When a company sanctions the volunteer experience, its leaders are reinforcing and passing on the company's values. The QTI Group, for example, created The QTI Group Good Samaritan Fund to help employees in times of need, and empowered a panel of their employees to administer and run the Fund. These volunteer efforts have proven to be a broadening experience for our panel members. By donating financial re-sources, companies not only gain recognition, but in helping to strengthen their community, they are inadvertently strengthening both their customer and employee base. A healthy community contributes greatly to a healthy operating environment. Customers, both local and worldwide, appreciate -- in some cases demand -- doing business with other companies whose actions demonstrate an understanding of corporate obligation to the community. In terms of employee satisfaction, studies show that employees who work for companies with a meaningful giving philosophy and history are much more likely to be truly loyal employees. Simply put, the values that engender a generous spirit outside the company are the same values that make for a great working environment. One option to explore if your company is interested in encouraging its employees to volunteer is the United Way's Business Volunteer Network (BVN). This program helps to develop and coordinate workplace volunteer efforts. Helping to build employee skills and attitudes fosters organizational commitment, company loyalty and personal fulfillment. Philanthropy is a long-term investment with rewards that will benefit your company, your employees and our community. Madison's reality would be much different without the incredibly generous corporate partners this community fosters. The bonus? Companies that fulfill these broader community obligations are not just giving -- they are also receiving. Jay Loewi is the president and CEO of The QTI Group and a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Dane County. madison.com ©2009 Capital Newspapers. All rights reserved. |
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