Forget Candy – How to Show Your Employees You Really Care

It’s that time of year – love is in the air. Many cringe at the thought of Valentine’s Day, calling it an over-commercialized, high-pressure holiday for couples.

But I choose to look at it differently. I choose to celebrate love in all forms, including the love I have for the organization I work for, VolunteerMatch. And the love it has for me.

What better time than now to take a close look at what you’re doing to show your employees you love them? (Again, I don’t mean you should be in love with your employees. Chances are, your Human Resources department has some policies around that.) But your employees should feel important, appreciated, respected, and cared for.

Why? The phrase “employees are a company’s greatest asset” is so widely used, it’s basically a cliché. So, to use another cliché, why not “put your money where your mouth is?” Employee appreciation goes beyond candy bowls, birthday cards, and an occasional free lunch (although those are nice, too!) Here’s how to spread long-term TLC to your employees, not only on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year, with your employee volunteer program (EVP).

Listen to Them
EVP doesn’t stand for executive volunteer program; it stands for employee volunteer program. So, why would you want executives making all the decisions? Ask your employees what they would like to see in your EVP. Fewer group volunteer activities? More skill-building volunteer options? How about a method for recognizing stand-out employee volunteers?

Also, continue to get feedback on how you’re doing at all stages of your EVP. Honest critique will help your program grow. When your employees are happy with your program, they’ll engage more.

Honor What’s Important to Them
Your company probably has some cause focus areas that align with your mission. For example, ConAgra Foods aims to end child hunger, and 1st Source Bank teaches financial literacy. But that doesn’t mean your company can’t help in other ways with causes that are important to individual employees. Offering volunteer time off (VTO) lets employees choose the causes they donate their time to. But don’t stop there. Encourage employees to share their volunteer stories at company meetings, events, or even on your company blog. Show them that their time is important, and you care about how they’re spending it.

Thank Them
From increased productivity to attracting more customers and talented new employees, your company sees many benefits from your EVP. Even though you’re managing the program, you can’t take all the credit. Your employees are out there making positive change in their communities (while giving positive publicity to your company). Don’t forget to say thank you, and say it often.

Which reminds me: Thank you for the work you do with your CSR program. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Read the original post and more on our blog: Volunteering is CSR.