In the age of automated machines and instant gratification, prioritizing the human side of everything is more important than ever. It’s highly possible that because technology is everywhere these days, some companies have forgotten that they’re serving humans too.
As a result, many businesses have become out of touch with the people they’re supposed to serve. There’s also a chance that the employees are treated as machines — like another cog in the system instead of individuals. This can lead to high turnover rates and a lack of productivity.
However, an excellent solution to this problem is to give back to the people through community service. This is a great way to get employees more in touch with the people they serve while becoming more human. Here’s why.
Develop a Stronger Tie to the Organization
When employees participate in community service, they feel a stronger connection to their company. They’re more likely to be productive and loyal because they can see that their company cares about more than just making a profit.
Instead of feeling like they’re just another number, employees feel like they’re part of something bigger. They know that their company is making a difference in the world, and they want to be a part of that. These days, more employees are searching for meaningful jobs that make a difference. Community service is one way to show your employees that you care about more than just the bottom line.
Forge Better Relationships with Customers or Clients
When you give back to the community you serve, you’re also going one step closer to making a real connection with them. People are more likely to do business with companies that they feel have their best interests at heart, which means that community service can help you attract and retain customers.
Suppose you run several dental practices and want to do community service while acquiring more clients. In this case, you can offer free or subsidized dental services every quarter (or once a month, if you’re feeling generous) to cater to community members who may not have dental insurance or the means to pay for dental care.
Not only will you be helping those in need, but you’ll also be building goodwill and attracting new customers in the process. You can give free teeth cleaning services or subsidize the price of your Invisalign aligners to those who need them. Just make sure that it won’t leave you running on a deficit!
Strengthen Interpersonal Bonds Among Employees
It’s also an excellent way for employees to get to know each other outside of work. When they work together to help others, they develop a stronger bond. This is especially important for remote workers who may not get to see their co-workers regularly.
When employees have a strong bond, they’re more likely to work together effectively. They understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and can rely on each other when things get tough. This means that community service can make your team more productive!
Boost Employee Morale and Motivation
Community service is also excellent for boosting morale and motivation. When employees see that their company is making a difference, they’re more likely to be proud of their work. This can lead to increased productivity and loyalty, which are great for business.
Plus, employees engaged in their work are more likely to stick around. This is good for your company because it saves you money training new employees. So, instead of solving your high turnover rate, you can just invest that energy into doing community service and keep your employees engaged.
Besides, your employees will be thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the people they’re serving outside of their personal time. They’ll appreciate that you care about more than just their work output and that you’re willing to invest in their development as humans.
Build Relationships With Other Businesses and Organizations
Finally, community service is a great way to network and build relationships with other businesses and organizations. When you work with other groups, you can learn about their needs and how you can help them. You can also build relationships with people who may be able to help your business in the future.
For example, you may meet a potential customer or client while working on a community service project. Or, you may meet someone who knows someone who can help your business. These relationships can be invaluable to your company, so it’s worth building them.
Overall, community service is a great way to make your company more people-centric because it allows you to connect with the people you serve. It also helps employees develop stronger bonds and boosts their morale. This means it’s a win-win for everyone involved!
