But how does giving them time off from work to volunteer help business? First, employers that recognize their employees’ charitable desires show that they really understand the employee. The employee feels valued and appreciated because the boss took the time to not only realize they enjoyed volunteer work, but support it. Employees that feel valued often work harder to maintain that value for the company. Even though they may take time off to go to a meeting or work at a charity, when they are on the job they are working much harder than they did before and certainly much more diligently than the average employee.

Second, charitable giving takes on many forms. Some employees are members of local service clubs such as Soroptimist International or the Lions Club. These clubs bring business and community members together to do good works within the local community. Having employees as members in these groups provides exposure for your business and in many cases introduces what you do to audiences that might otherwise never know your business is out there. Other employees might be involved in health-related causes such as the local blood bank or the American Cancer Society. These organizations hold fund raising events and public education forums and are often looking not only for monetary sponsors, but rooms to hold meetings. Offering your facility once a month during off hours also brings new customers to your business without costing you one cent of your advertising budget. Sometimes simply allowing a charity to advertise their fundraising or special events in the store window or on the office counter can draw attention of potential customers who appreciate doing business with a company that supports the same causes they do. This can be especially beneficial if your employees work on a cause together or as a team. Workplaces that support a group effort, such as the annual United Way campaign become fun, vibrant environments where creativity can blossom. As employees look for unique ways to compete against their co-workers, they are building better working relationships, thinking creatively, demonstrating commitment, and enjoying their time at work. These are all necessary characteristics for productive employees.