Company leaders must constantly assess the ROI of system-wide programs and initiatives. Things that were once considered simply good business practice, such as community and philanthropic involvement, are now considered an investment. After all, in business, what is more valuable than your time and money? However, community involvement remains an investment whose power can never be underestimated. True participation in charity programs remains one of the easiest methods to raise corporate awareness, recruit and retain employees, and give back to the community that supports you.

Common sense dictates that philanthropic involvement is an easy and enjoyable way to positively position your company with shareholders, investors, customers, and employees. Your involvement not only improves your image with those who have a vested interest, but is also a great way to generate positive media coverage for your company.

More importantly, community involvement can do wonders for employee morale, which can lead to increased productivity and a pleasant, team-focused work environment. Also, coming together for a common cause promotes teamwork and the desire to learn new skills and practices. Many companies use philanthropic programs in the workplace to retain their employees and even hire new ones. Job seekers are often drawn to companies that give back to their communities and allow personal time away from the office for volunteering. In fact, 58% of companies use their employee volunteer programs to recruit and retain employees, according to the Corporate Volunteer Program as a Strategic Resource.

Your involvement not only benefits your company and employees, ultimately the organization you’re supporting has a better rate of success because of your goodwill and generosity – you’ve opened the doors for them to get your message out. In addition, your company’s involvement may have helped them achieve their own goals, whether by increasing their volunteer base, community support, or monetary or in-kind donations.

Obviously donating corporate time and money for community involvement is a win-win situation, however, there are literally hundreds of credible organizations in your community that want and need your support. How do you choose the right one for your business? Nearly 82% of corporations focus their employee volunteer programs on core business functions. (read: those in the real estate business start with programs like Habitat for Humanity). Also, programs that are directly related to the community you are in, or programs that are universal to all businesses and lifestyles, are also great places to start looking. The good news is that any non-profit organization you decide to support will be grateful and eager for your participation.

It may sound cliché, but getting your employees and company name out there in the community can be one way to achieve your corporate mission. It allows everyone, your company, your employees and the community itself, to win. But remember that with community involvement, as with many important things in life, you get what you put into it.

Source: Corporate Volunteer Program as a Strategic Resource