Can Philanthropy Motivate Millennial Workers?

In order to motivate millennial workers, you need to understand that they are influenced by more than just a paycheck. This generation wants to know that they are contributing to a better future for their community and their world. According to the Millennial Impact Report, millennial engagement in philanthropic causes is rising. Companies that embrace philanthropy or Corporate Social Responsibility will have an easier time attracting and keeping millennials employees, and a better chance of earning business from this age group.

In fact, the the 2014 Millennial Impact Report found that, other than compensation and benefits, the main factor in a millennial’s decision to stay with a company was having his or her passions and talents recognized and fulfilled (53 percent), forming bonds with co-workers (20 percent), and believing in the company’s mission and purpose (20 percent). When your company’s purpose is greater than just making money, but you actually strive to have a greater impact on the world, you will attract these bright, driven individuals to join your organization.

Business is no longer just about what you do, it’s about what you stand for.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

What does philanthropy or Corporate Social Responsibility mean to a company and how can you get your employees involved? It can look different depending on your industry and your level of involvement. Here are a few different ways to incorporate a culture of giving into your business today:

Offer Paid Time Off to Volunteer

Giving employees time off to volunteer has several benefits:

• It breaks up the monotony of daily activities
• Encourages team building
• Allows employees to uncover skills they didn’t know they had
• Improves your company’s visibility in the community
• Gives employees a larger mission to work towards
• Makes employees happy, and proud to work for your company

Host Charity Events

Many smaller non-profits do not have the staff necessary to put on large-scale events, nor do they have access to potential game-changing donors. If you have employees that enjoy event planning, marketing, and networking (even if this isn’t their normal job duties), give them the freedom and a budget to plan something for an agreed upon charity. Not only will you make your employees happy, you’ll also be doing a wonderful thing for an under-served population, and improving your visibility and likability in the community. Marvelless Mark® tells his clients that customers want to do business with companies that support causes they care about.

Provide Services to a Population in Need

Rock stars can often be found doing benefit concerts or speaking on behalf of non-profit organizations. Your business rock stars could do the same. Depending on what your company provides, is there an organization out there that could use your services free of charge? Giving your employees the opportunity to offer pro bono services or education to a charity or cause of their choice will allow them to use their talents and skills to improve the community and will give them a strong sense of purpose.

Millennials are here to stay and if you want to get the most out of your employees, you must learn how to lead and motivate this generation. When you do, you’ll uncover the business rock star in each and every one of them.

We have a saying in my house, my kids and my girlfriend. We say, ‘Be your best for the greater good, and rock out wherever you are.’  – Michael Franti