It is the season for us to enjoy the good feelings and blessings that come with the joy of giving to others. During the holidays we are constantly reminded that there are others that are less fortunate than us and we are encouraged to reach out and give. We have been taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving to other, especially to those who don’t have as much, is seen as an act of selfless service which will make us better people. All major world religions speak to the importance of helping those in need. While the decision to help our fellow beings more so at Christmas make makes us feel better and meet our moral obligation to contribute to something larger than ourselves, there are also real benefits to organizations that do so.
Here are 5 reasons organizations will benefit from getting into the giving spirit at Christmas
Making stronger connections with their own organization
While contributing to a worthwhile charity at Christmas makes employees feel better about themselves, it also make them feel better about the organization they work for. It shows staff that the organization has a moral conscience and cares about more than turning a profit. Getting away from the office or working on a project that is drastically different allows people at work to come and see and experience each other in a new and different light.
Makes connections within the organization and community.
By doing volunteer work or contributing money or items for the needy for Christmas, the act of charity by an organization makes it seen as someone who cares about their community and sees their responsibility to give back. There is the opportunity to meet make valuable connections outside the organization that can benefit the organization or the individuals within it. Seeing that their organization is leading by example, employees are more likely to feel more connected with those in their immediate workplace as well as those at work that are outside of their normal work environment. Volunteering during work hours can bring together upper management with front line workers and other groups that rarely communicate and get a chance to work together. Working together as equals towards a shared cause and belief is a great way for various levels in organization to get to know and appreciate one another outside of the formal constrictions imposed in the workplace structure.
Ability to learn new skills and form new perspectives.
Getting out of the office and working with fellow employees and management gives everyone a chance to try on new skills and learn in a relaxed non- stressful environment. There may be opportunities to work with others who have different and divergent skill sets and interact with people who they normally wouldn’t be able to. There may be opportunities to get to know people from a broader variety of cultural and socio economic backgrounds that is possible at work, giving staff a broader and more diverse perspective and broaden their overall knowledge.
Gain a greater degree of empathy and gratitude
Reaching out and coming into contact with people who have a lot less than us increases our empathy for others. It also makes us feel gratitude for what we have. While we may not appreciate our work and complain about it, we may feel a sense of gratitude and realize that we are fortunate to have the work upon realizing that there are many who don’t have the same opportunities as us and would love to trade places with us. This awareness may cause us to rethink our relationships in and outside of the workplace. It could lead to more appreciation and to us focusing more on the positives of the workplace rather than constantly looking for what is wrong or lacking.
Adds energy, fun and breaks up the routine.
There is a saying that a change is better than a rest. Most workplaces can and do get caught up in boring, monotonous routines at times. The longer that routine and monotony become the norm, the more comfortable it becomes and the more difficult it is to break out of the rut. Doing something totally outside of the norm, like helping a charity, breaks the chains of routine and allows people to release their normal restriction, be themselves, have fun and feel renewed energy and sense of purpose. This is a great way to renew an organization while contributing to a worthwhile cause.