Volunteering and giving back boosts morale

Companies are now combining employee wellbeing with corporate social responsibility (CSR). This integration promotes a healthier workforce and enhances the company's reputation and social impact. By incorporating employees into community service and charitable initiatives as part of their CSR efforts, organizations can significantly boost morale, nurture a sense of purpose among their staff, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of their workforce. This holistic approach cultivates a culture of empathy and social consciousness within the organization, ultimately resulting in a more unified and socially responsible workplace.

At Navigate, our corporate responsibility is guided by the principle of "Do Good Things." These three simple words are at the heart of everything we do. They are the reason behind the inception of this company and the objective of every task and interaction. Our aim is to improve the lives of every employee, customer, company, and community we engage with, and in the process, we aspire to motivate others to do the same, which is why giving back is an integral part of our identity and values.

Why does Navigate prioritize giving back? It reinforces our company culture of empathy, teamwork, wellbeing, and social responsibility. It's not just about the act of giving but also about the collective impact we create and the sense of fulfillment that arises from making a difference.

As part of our commitment, each employee is granted 20 volunteer hours to support charitable causes. Over the years, our employees have been involved in significant giveback initiatives across Iowa and our Summit locations, supporting local community organizations such as DMARC, Eagle Mount, Hope Hits Harder, Festival of Trees, and contributing to military families through Blue Star Mothers of Iowa, and many more.

These initiatives have not only assisted those in need but have also strengthened our team's bond and reminded us of the power we hold to bring about positive change. We also realize the importance that volunteering has on your mental and physical wellbeing. As a part of our Navigate wellbeing program, we have included volunteering and community givebacks.

Why should you include CSR?

The Mayo Clinic states that volunteering can:¹

1. Improve physical and mental health:
Volunteering has been found to benefit the physical and mental health of adults aged 60 and over. It can lead to better physical health and lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for those 65 and older. Volunteering also reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine.

2. Provide a sense of purpose and teach valuable skills:
The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving volunteers a sense of purpose, especially when giving their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem.

3. Nurture new and existing relationships:
Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests.

Our latest volunteering effort involved organizing a volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity in Des Moines, where our team rolled up their sleeves and worked on building a home for a family. Not only did our local employees build, but our remote employees also participated by volunteering at their local Habitat for Humanity branch. This collaborative effort showcased the impact we can make when we come together to support such a worthy cause, regardless of our location.

How to start a volunteer program

If your organization doesn’t have volunteering as part of your organization, here are some helpful tips:²

1. Choose a cause that holds personal significance or is connected to your own community.
The most crucial aspect of selecting a philanthropic or nonprofit organization is the ability to relate to it.

At Navigate, we are committed to making a positive impact through our giveback initiatives. Our efforts are focused on five key pillars: supporting animal welfare, honoring and assisting veterans, addressing food insecurity, contributing to children's hospitals, and promoting women's health initiatives

2. Make sure the cause aligns with your company values.
Once you choose your cause, the next task is to become the "motivator-in-chief" as you get your office on board with the charitable initiative. Consider how the cause ties in with your own company values, because your next challenge is to implement a culture of giving back within your employees' day-to-day duties.

At Navigate, our CSR activities and giveback pillars align with our Navigate values — the Navigate Way.

3. Ensure to engage customers and clients.
If your brand supports a particular cause, encourage your customers to join in. Common methods include donating a portion of product proceeds and "buy one, give one" campaigns. However, you can also raise awareness on your company website and social media if your cause requires independent donations and volunteers.

At our annual Navigate Summit, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the event itself. As part of our mission to Do Good Things, we have integrated a giveback component to actively engage our attendees in philanthropic efforts. Through this initiative, attendees have the opportunity to participate in various charitable activities, such as volunteering, fundraising, or supporting local causes. This not only aligns with our core values but also allows us to come together and make a meaningful difference.

By prioritizing corporate social responsibility, organizations can enhance employee collaboration, foster stronger team bonds, and contribute to their employees' overall mental health and wellbeing. This approach not only benefits the organization but also has a positive impact on mental health and an overall sense of fulfillment in life.

Discover more about Navigate and our services; dive into our informative video!

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering

2. https://www.forbes.com/council...