The benefits of participating as a company and team

Let’s face it, after a long work week, and in some cases, shuttling kids around to different activities, it’s sometimes tough trying to find a few extra hours for non-profit volunteering with a worthy cause. And, with so many worthy causes that need volunteers, cash, and donations, which one do you choose to support? Even though we know it’s the right thing to do, it’s tough to get on the calendar.

And then there is your place of employment that wants you to volunteer your time and talent on their behalf. Most large corporations today make corporate responsibility part of their business plan because they understand that “Today’s employees are looking for work that means something more – they want to be employed by a company that has strong values and clear corporate responsibility commitments”.

Did you know? According to Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study

  • 58% of workers consider a company’s social and environment commitments when deciding where to work
  • 55% would choose to work for a socially responsible company, even if the salary was less
  • 51% won’t work for a company that doesn’t have strong social or environmental commitments

So, what do you do? We think you should sign up and volunteer.

Non-Profit Volunteering on behalf of your place of employment is important and below are a few points why.

Giving Back Is Good for The Heart and Soul

It really is. Sometimes the hardest part is making the commitment and getting there, but you will never regret the power of giving back to others in need as you walk away. There is no greater gift than the gift of your time and just a few short hours can have a significant impact on an individual or organization. Also, staying connected to your community has its benefits as well. You want to live in a strong community and that happens when community members support each other.

Help Make Your Community and Surrounding Communities A Better Place to Live

There is no negative in giving back to the community in which you work or live. If the need is there, fulfilling it is a great accomplishment. A great example of helping community is gathering teammates and heading out to a Habitat for Humanity build site. Gaining the hands-on DIY experience and physically installing beams to help build a home for a family in need can be a game changer. Giving a child a warm place to call home and meeting that child and rest of the family is an extremely gratifying feeling. Plus, you have just helped someone in the community live a better life. #priceless

Help Your Company Create a Stronger Image in The Community by Volunteering

Identifying the needs of the community in which you work and/or live is the first step. Creating a plan to work with those various organizations is the second step. Deploying the plan and getting the team out on behalf of ABC Company is the final step in getting ABC Company engaged with the community. They will notice the gesture and your organization will benefit with a positive view of your company. It’s a win/win for everyone.

Connections and networking

You never know who you might meet when non-profit volunteering. Networking and the opportunity to meet others that have the same interest as you can be beneficial on many different levels. You might meet your best friend or perhaps a business owner that has a need for your company’s product. A great networker will find a connection at just about any work and/or social networking function. It too is good for all involved.

Tax Break

Donating to a charity or non-profit can be tax deductible. You are able to deduct not only the actual amount you donate, but also the amounts you spend on travel, parking costs and volunteer hours and contributions on your income taxes. You can learn more about this on the link below from Fidelity Charitable.

Heard enough about why it’s a good thing to do? We at Group 2 believe in the power of giving back. As a matter of fact, we have engaged with CCChampions – a Pittsburgh-based non-profit supporting kids with cancer and donating our time to upgrade the marketing platform for the organization with a new brand identity being introduced.

We hope you and your company will find a few great causes that align with your business objective, research the cause, and commit a few hours to helping those in need. It’s a good thing to do.

Want to learn more about Group 2’s full realm of services? Call us today at 412.841.3318 or shoot us a quick email at info@group2.com. Or ask us where we will be volunteering next and we can meet there as well! We look forward to hearing from you!