Many companies generously practice corporate giving, but few take advantage of their connections in the community to inspire employees. According to research into Fortune's "50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back" list, encouraging employees to guide charitable efforts enhances commitment and pride among teams.
Among the winning companies, those that promoted volunteering for a cause yielded the most positive results among employees.
"When employees are actively involved in giving back it can lead to a deeper commitment and connection work," Elizabeth Stocker, a consultant for Fortune's Great Place to Work list, told the magazine. "It doesn't surprise me that the sentiment was much higher when people are actually involved in the work, rather than a corporate donation being made."
Of the thousands of employee surveys Fortune analysts examined to compile the "50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back" list, they found employees of the best workplaces were more than four times more likely to discuss their companies' charitable undertakings compared to those only certified by Great Place to Work. Additionally, analysis of employees' anonymous feedback found the ways a company engages in philanthropy has as much of an impact on culture as the amount of money that is donated.