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Leadership Should Be Difficult

Feb 2017

Leadership isn’t easy. People and employees who think being a leader means sitting in the corner office, taking three-hour lunches and spending afternoons on the golf course are sadly mistaken.

Leadership is difficult—and leadership should be difficult. Why? Because at its heart, being a leader is about bringing people together with a shared vision in order to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It’s about how leaders influence the daily lives of the people who work for them and how their decisions affect careers and outcomes.

A leader not only brings different personalities and employees together but also instills confidence in those differing personalities in order to bring about success. This is not an easy task. The most difficult part of commanding is knowing what is really going on with the company, with individual employees and what the best solution is. That’s a daunting task for anyone.

The Difficult Truth

Human nature dictates that employees and workers look up to leaders because they believe these leaders know the truth and have solutions. On the flip side, human nature also dictates that even leaders are sometimes clueless as to what is actual truth and what is a personal interpretation.

Humans often draw conclusions quickly and without awareness, which results in a skewed view of what is really going on.

What leaders think and say is usually perceived as truth, when it may not actually be. Managers have the difficult task of putting their personal interpretations aside, researching all options and deciding—even against their personal preferences—what the best course of action is.

The Mediator

Handling conflicts in a workplace is also a difficult, but necessary, task for leaders. Ideally, employees can work out problems between each other, but if they cannot, leaders must step in to resolve the conflict. Conflicts in the office can easily spiral out of control, leading to a toxic and unproductive work environment.

Handling conflicts or disciplining employees is not an easy task, nor should it be. Leaders are expected to use a firm, yet gentle, hand to help resolve problems and ease fears.

The Professional Student

In addition to managing expectations, results and people, leaders are expected to be on top of the latest training and information. Professionals in an authoritative role can’t wait for the next training session, but instead, must constantly learn, research and grow in order to effectively lead a team.

While others go home at the end of the day and relax or watch their favorite show, leaders should invest in their development by reading, watching and studying as often as possible. 

Putting Others First

Today’s leadership model has shifted toward servant leadership where leaders are expected to focus on the development of their employees. True leaders create more leaders.

This role is a tough one to balance. On one hand, a leader must deliver results and make an impact on the success of the company; on the other hand, managers are expected to cater to different personality types and generations in the workforce in order to boost employee development. The overall result should benefit the company’s bottom line. 

Modern leadership is more difficult now than in the past. Being a leader isn’t a simple task, but instead is a journey of work, self-discipline, and continuing education. If done right, however, the results can be rewarding, for you, your employees, and your company. 

Life Lessons from John Wooden

January 2017

One of the most revered coaches in the history of sports is John Wooden, nicknamed “The Wizard of Westwood,” who won 10 NCAA national championships in his 12-year career as head coach at the University of California Los Angeles.

Wooden, who passed away in June 2010, left behind a legacy as one of the most successful basketball coaches in the history of the sport, but he also left behind a blueprint on how to become the best and most successful person one can be.

Today, athletes, business leaders, employees and countless others follow these life lessons from Coach Wooden in their own lives. Below are five quotes from this great basketball icon that ring as true in today’s world as they did when he first spoke them. 

"Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required each day.” 

As one of the top blocks on Coach Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success,” competitive greatness does not mean beating everyone else, but doing your absolute best every day. No matter how small the job, excellence is earned by doing the most thorough work each day, every day. The best work is done by those who practice their skills, release excuses and do important things, even when the odds seem daunting.

“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

Even the most menial tasks at a job serve a purpose, and those little things add up to create big results. Nothing a person does should be considered boring or insignificant. Strategic planning and execution of major projects also includes the little details that can make or break a triumph. Leaders can learn to appreciate their employees from the ground up by keeping this quote from Wooden in mind. The man who cleans the offices at night is as big a part of a company’s success as the top salesperson.

“You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.”

People inevitably try to downplay someone else’s success or belittle another person. Friends, families, competitors and enemies are all guilty of this at one point or another.  Wooden’s advice is to stop focusing on criticisms and focus on helpful critique. If a complaint is valid, that complaint can become a learning opportunity and a chance to improve. On the flip side, chasing flattery can be almost as debilitating as giving into criticism. Many people become dependent on praise, chasing the ego rub instead of true greatness. 

“Don’t let making a living deprive you of making a life.”

Too many people trade daily enjoyment for achievement, but the key to true success is having both. Also called “work/life balance,” most people find happiness when they achieve something important and enjoy other aspects of life. Working is a way to earn a wage, but successful people also find delight while accomplishing goals and victories through their job.

“If I am through learning, I am through.”

In life, education is never finished. Most successful business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers or employees are constantly on the search for knowledge and ways to improve. Life always offers up opportunities to learn something new, whether it’s a new skill set, another language, a new hobby or a new perspective on life. Not expanding a base of knowledge or experience leads to stagnation and boredom. Continuous learning is powerful, so take life’s lessons from Coach Wooden to begin building your legacy.

A look back at 2016: How Business Changed

December 2016

The business world is changing faster than ever before, and the emergence of new technologies like nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and virtual reality are blurring the lines of present and future even more.

Digital technology is transforming the face of business, and 2016 brought notable changes to how businesses are connecting, selling and adapting to the ever-changing digital world. The pace is fast, but it also enables people globally to become better informed, more connected and more empowered about choice and spending.

But technology wasn’t the only trend in 2016 to affect business.

According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 19^th Annual Global CEO Survey, “74 percent of CEOs are concerned about geopolitical uncertainty.” A new U.S. president, changes in the Transpacific Partnership, instability in the Middle East and the European Brexit vote have all had a major impact, but technology still leads the pack when it comes to how business is changing.

Cyber Threats

In the PwC survey, 61 percent of CEOs said cyber threats continue to affect how business is conducted. The list of financial, retail and manufacturing security breaches are forcing businesses to take more responsibility in managing risk.

In 2016, more retailers began using chip technology readers to scan cards in order to combat the increasingly-savvy cyber criminals. Today, more companies are addressing cyber threats not just as a financial issue, but as a brand trust issue as well. Whereas many CEO’s said keeping secure information safe was a top challenge to growth investments, many used 2016 to institute more aggressive threat prevention.

Continued Power of Social Media

According to Fast Company magazine, more than 2 billion active social media users exist globally, and that number is growing. While traditional businesses were slow to jump on the social media bandwagon, today, nine out of 10 U.S. companies are active on social networks resulting in increased exposure and sales.

In Canada, more than half of the companies have an official Twitter account and 43 percent have a Facebook page. This year, social media ad revenue in Canada is projected to top out at more than $600 million, mostly through mobile ads, according to Statistica.

According to Fast Company, U.S. companies began increasing social media advertising in 2015, and 2016 saw an even bigger increase. In fact, social media advertising reached nearly $24 billion this year, and that trend is expected to continue with social media ads making up nearly 16 percent of all digital advertising spending in the next year.

As technology continues to grow and emerge at a rapid rate, businesses around the globe will continue to adapt and change to keep up. The biggest trend of 2016 was the emergence of social media platforms that are fundamentally changing how companies reach out, interact, sell and communicate with consumers and employees.

Shifts in the Economy

Global and social instability was a top concern to 65 percent of CEOs surveyed, as was the technology that accompanied major shifts in the economy.

The British Referendum, or “Brexit,” staggered the world when it passed earlier this year. Due to the unprecedented vote to leave the European Union, Brexit inevitably caused many businesses to freeze their major investments in the United Kingdom, according to the IBT Times.

In the U.S., the election of Donald Trump as the next president has also affected businesses both domestically and globally. A recent Washington Post article predicts that the oil, coal, pharmaceutical and construction industries will see a boost due to Trump’s business-friendly stance, but if he decides to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform act and revoke the Affordable Care Act, businesses in America must have a plan in place to adapt, experts said.

If kept, President-elect Trump’s campaign promises could also have a significant impact on the Canadian economy. In an article from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) News, Trump’s intention to repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could be costly as 2.5 million jobs depend on trade with the U.S. A total of 23 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also comes solely from the exports of goods and services to its southern neighbor.

However, some experts, including Scott Sinclair, a director with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, are quick to dismiss the panic around the possible dissolution of NAFTA. He said that most of the country’s free trade with the United States is protected though World Trade Organization rules.

Consumer Spending

In 2016, more consumers made purchases online and more than ever, they were doing it on mobile devices. Also, consumers began to make spending choices based on the types of products they buy, ranging from organic and fair-trade items to speedy delivery and delivery tracking.

Today’s buyers have more choices that are offered in a more convenient manner in everything from car buying to banking. Enterprises and businesses globally caught on this year by becoming more aggressive in offering mobile apps that provide access to services in a manner that consumers found valuable and engaging. 

Why Thankful Companies are Successful Companies

November 2016

With the holidays fast approaching, most companies have already planned to thank their employees with monetary bonuses or gifts, but a successful business must remember to thank another key player—the customer. 

So how important is customer appreciation? As it turns out, it’s vital. According to a study by the Rockefeller Group, 82 percent of customers will leave because they think you do not care about them. It’s important to make each customer feel like they are your only customer, which could lead to word-of-mouth referrals, increasing your sales. 

Customer Service is Key

Showing customers gratitude is a key part of the sales experience that usually determines whether or not the customer will return for future purchases. According to Help Scout, on average, loyal customers are worth up to 10 times as much as their first purchase and it is six to seven times more expensive to acquire a new customer than it is to keep a current one. This means that losing just one customer is costly, and it’s critical for businesses to put effort into making their customer experience top notch. 

The good news for small businesses is that 80 percent of Americans agree that smaller companies place a bigger emphasis on customer service. And almost 9 out of 10 U.S. customers say they would pay more to ensure a superior customer service experience. 

Investing in your company’s customer service may take some time to plan and implement, but in the long run, it will pay off. Not only will you create a culture of gratitude, but it can also positively affect the business’s bottom line.  

Start from the Top Down

To retain your customers and attract new ones, build a culture of gratitude in your company from the top down. Most organizations struggle with this concept. In fact, according to a Gallup poll, 65 percent of employees say they don’t feel appreciated at work. 

“Too many people leave work every day thinking, ‘My boss doesn’t appreciate me,’” said Liz Jazwiec, author of Eat That Cookie!: Make Workplace Positivity Pay Off … For Individuals, Teams and Organizations. “When the majority of the people in a workplace feel this way, the overall environment is hugely impacted. Productivity decreases, turnover increases, and it can become very difficult to stay afloat, especially in a tough economy.” 

Gratitude in the C-Suite

When Doug Conant became the CEO of the Campbell Soup Company, the company’s stock price was declining and according to Fast Company, it was the worst performer of all the major food companies in the world. 

Conant was in a serious car accident in 2009, and while recovering in the hospital, he received many get-well notes from employees around the word. Journalist Janice Kaplan included Conant’s story in her yearlong effort to learn about the effects of gratitude and how to show it more in her own life. While employees could have felt obligated to send well wishes to Conant, it’s likely that they were genuine as the CEO had sent more than 30,000 handwritten thank you notes to his employees during his tenure. 

As an added bonus during the creation of a culture of gratitude, Campbell Soup jumped ahead of S&P Food Group and the S&P 500 in 2009, according to Fast Company. 

Other leaders have also begun to recognize the importance of gratitude, including Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. Zuckerberg challenged himself to write one thank you note every day in 2014, according to the Washington Post. 

Even though not every business manager or owner has the time or resources to make big gestures, there are a lot of other small ways to show appreciation to your employees. One example is when an employee puts in a lot of overtime. 

"You don't have to apologize that they worked," Kaplan said. "We understand that that's sometimes part of the job. But recognizing it, saying thank you, letting them know that it wasn't for naught really can go a very far way."

Building a culture of gratitude can feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but it can mean the difference between the success or failure of a company. Start with small, daily acts of appreciation, and soon, gratitude will become second nature. 

Overcoming Online Obstacles on your Path to Success

October 3,2016

Internet marketing can make or break your business. From email campaigns to social media content, online marketing is both competitive and technical. While the Internet increases the possibility of reaching a global audience, it can be a difficult path to navigate. According to Jared Hecht with the Huffington Post, “Online marketing is crucial to a retailer’s success. Social media marketing and a strong, user-friendly web presence help your company reach a wide audience for your products. But many small business owners lack the experience or time to run effective marketing campaigns online.”

So, how can your business get ahead of the curve and capture your online audience’s attention?

Optimize Your Website
Internet search giant, Google, continually changes its algorithm for search engine optimization (SEO), meaning the traffic to your site may be reduced if your business doesn’t keep up with the changes. One way to make Google’s SEO algorithm work for your business is to invest in a mobile-friendly web site with responsive design. Doing so will bump your site to the top of the search results for all users, according to Entrepreneur. 

GoDaddy and Alignable recently surveyed more than 100,000 small business owners to learn about barriers that separate businesses from growth. The survey revealed that 51 percent of small business owners hire a web designer to build their website. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great website, however. If you want to get a mobile-friendly site up and running without much investment, join the additional 25 percent of survey respondents who use a website builder, like Wordpress or Wix.com, and do it yourself.

Become a Social Media Master
It’s no secret that having a strong social media presence is essential for your business. In fact, according to AdWeek, 74 percent of consumers rely on social media to influence their purchasing decisions, and 81 percent of consumers are influenced by their friends’ posts when making purchasing decisions. Additionally, 78 percent of consumers who receive a quick brand response on social media are likely to recommend that brand. 

Websites like HubSpot and Lynda.com offer courses and training opportunities aimed at helping business owners learn the ins and outs of social media in order to create effective online marketing campaigns. Additionally, Facebook offers Facebook Business, an online training program designed to help you make the most of the platform’s tools. Once you’ve learned the basics, try a site like HootSuite, which allows you to manage multiple social networks simultaneously.

Embrace Email and Blogging
Consumers prefer to communicate with businesses through email, according to GoDaddy. And, they want trust in that communication. If your business email address doesn’t reflect your company’s name, consider upgrading to a business-level account. In an article for Entrepreneur, Firas Kittaneh found that email marketing drives 20 times more return on investment than banner ads, and has a higher conversation rate than Facebook and Twitter. Luckily, email marketing doesn’t have to be difficult. With services like List Builder and MailChimp, you can easily take your email efforts to the next level.

Blogging is another popular way to reach potential customers or clients. Hubspot reports that B2B marketers who use blogs receive 67 percent more leads, and marketers who prioritize blogging are 13 times more likely to see positive return on investment. The good news is that creating and maintaining a blog is easier than ever before. Websites like Wordpress and BlogSpot make it simple to create and schedule blog posts that will draw traffic to your website.

As technology continues to adapt and grow, it’s essential to engage your online audience before they move on to your competitors. From learning more about popular social media platforms to creating a website with responsive design, there are several steps your business can take to overcome online obstacles that may be holding you back.

Management Mistakes Holding Your Company Back

August 31, 2016 

Regardless of what level of management you’re on—supervisor, executive, or even owner—and no matter how good your intentions may be, you’re bound to make management mistakes. No boss is perfect, and missteps are natural. But, while some mistakes are simple and correctable, others may be holding you and your company back.

According to a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), 65 percent of employees say they’d take a new boss over a pay raise. NBER also reports that bad bosses cost the U.S. economy $360 billion per year in lost productivity, proving  that managerial mistakes can not only hold you back from innovation, they can also be costly. To help avoid business setbacks, examine whether you—or an employee—are making one of these common management mistakes.

Failure to Delegate
Even the best boss can’t do everything, and trying to do so can result in unnecessary stress. When you fail to delegate tasks, you also risk wasting your employees’ potential while decreasing their workplace engagement. Though your natural instinct may be to complete projects on your own, you need to spend your time coaching and guiding your employees so they can reach their full potential. Your team’s goals must be as important as your own. As The Muse writes for Forbes, “Now, your success is dependent on the success of your team.”

Resisting Change
We’ve all heard the age-old excuse: “we’ve always done it this way.” But, have you ever considered how this resistance to change may be costing your business? When you choose to ignore new methods, advancements or processes, you may be wasting time, energy and resources. And, your failure to innovate can cost more than team morale. Peter Economy, business writer for Inc.com, states, “Resisting change gives your competitors the advantage. Learn to anticipate and lead change in your industry, and leverage it to your advantage.”

Lack of Employee Feedback
Offering feedback to your employees means providing constructive criticism and recognizing their successes. If you’re saving that feedback for a yearly review, you may be making an expensive mistake. Nina Zipkin, an Entrepreneur.com staff writer, explains, “Consistent constructive feedback and dialogue will keep your colleagues on the right track.” While you may want to save formal feedback for a yearly review, remember to check in with your employees often, talk with them about their goals, where they want to go with the company, and what they’ve recently accomplished.

Providing a Quick Fix
When faced with a problem, it may be easier to go with the quick fix. After all, you want a fast and efficient solution. Even though it may get the job done, have you considered the long-term costs? Instead of bandaging the problem as quickly as possible, a good leader will look at the bigger picture and consider optimal solutions. Founder of the employee scheduling app When I Work, Chad Halvorson, writes for Inc.com, “You should always choose the lasting solution even if it’s more costly to implement in the short term.”

Whether it’s a failure to delegate or a lack of employee recognition, some management mistakes can be significant and may be holding your company back from its full potential. By recognizing common mistakes before they happen and learning to take a different path to reach your goals, you may save your business the money, time and productivity you need to be successful. 

Olympic Motivation for Beating the Competition

By: Westmoreland /Fayette, July 29, 2016

Every other year, athletes from around the globe gather in one place to compete for the top honors in their sports. This summer, the Olympic Games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and promise to continue the tradition of creating unforgettable moments of athleticism and grit.

Already the champions of their home countries, Olympians share a goal to become world champions in their events. They aim to take home the gold medal and secure their place in history. In addition to training and talent, the competing athletes also find inspiration in those who have gone before them. Like those traveling to Rio this August, you can use the lessons of past Olympians to help you on your path to beating the competition—whether it’s in your job search, on the corporate ladder or in the workplace.

Never give up.
It’s 1980, and the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, are well underway. Never regarded as a top team in the sport, the United States men’s hockey team found themselves with the odds stacked against them. Made up of amateur and collegiate players, the U.S. team was pitted against powerhouse Russia. In an unexpected, stunning display of commitment and strength, they beat the Soviet team and went on to win gold. Now recognized as the “Miracle on Ice,” the victory went down in history as an example of grit that continues to inspire today. If you’re up against incredible odds, take a lesson from Lake Placid and remember that anything is possible.

Fight through the challenges.
Gymnast Kerri Strug, a member of the historic “Magnificent Seven,” had a heroic showing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Not only did Strug help ensure the United States’ first-ever team gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics, her second vault performance went down in history when she stuck the landing after a serious ankle injury on the previous attempt. Strug’s performance is a reminder that passion and courage can overcome even the most challenging of times.

Let nothing stand in your way.
Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton won the 1984 Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, after taking home numerous U.S. and world championship titles. Known for his backflips and entertaining athleticism, Hamilton went on to make history in his sport. In 1997, however, Hamilton was diagnosed with cancer. With renewed perspective and goals, he continued to perform professionally until he retired four years later. In 2004, Hamilton received a brain tumor diagnosis, and yet again overcame his odds. The Olympian’s unyielding courage and strength is proof that, when you have your mind set on a goal, nothing can stop you from reaching it.

Accept help from other.
After his own athletes had been eliminated early in the competition, Canadian cross-country ski coach Justin Wadsworth still made history at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. During one of the races, Wadsworth noticed Russian Anton Gafarov struggling to complete the course. He had crashed and broken a ski, which wrapped around his foot and caused him to drag across the course. When no one, including Gafarov’s own coaches, stepped in to help, Gafarov jumped to action. He grabbed a spare ski from his Canadian team and ran onto the track, where he pulled off the broken equipment and replaced it. Gafarov was able to cross the finish line with Wadsworth’s help, a reminder that even the best of the best need a little help every now and then.

Be groundbreaking.
Still a newer sport in the Olympic Games, snowboarding has come a long way since athletes like Shaun White have taken over. A daring, stunning athlete, White shocked spectators during the 2010 Vancouver snowboarding halfpipe finals when he completed the world’s first Double McTwist 1260. The trick, which is the most difficult in the history of the sport, earned White the gold medal and instant fame. White recognized the risk and reward of being the first to accomplish a groundbreaking feat, and his Olympic run is a reminder that giving it your all can put you on top.

Go against the grain.
In 1960, barefoot running had yet to become a trend. So when Abebe Bikila, an Olympian from Ethiopia, ran the marathon in Rome without shoes, he made history. A last-minute replacement for an injured teammate, Bikila had issues with his running shoes and decided to run barefoot in the heat of the late afternoon. Not only did Bikila win the gold medal, he shattered the Olympic record and set a new world best. Bikila’s inspiring story proves that thinking outside the box, and being quick to adapt to challenges, can set you apart from the competition.

As one of the most beloved Olympians of our time, Muhammad Ali, once said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” If you’re trying to beat the competition and land a job, get a promotion or start a business, you may have to take risks and put it all on the line. Like the Olympic champions before you, your success will be defined by how you choose to beat the odds and reach your goals.

Remember, with courage, passion and perseverance, your definition of a gold medal can be attained. 

Realizing the Dream of Entrepreneural Success

July 2016 

Entrepreneurship is strong in North America. The U.S. and Canada have the highest levels of entrepreneurial activity in the world. If the thought of working for yourself and following your dream is appealing, here are seven important questions to consider:

1. Do you have the personality traits to run a business?You’ve probably heard that entrepreneurs are risk takers and innovators, but there are additional factors to keep in mind. Are you a good planner? How are your networking skills? This checklist of 25 characteristics by Entrepreneur.com will help you determine whether you are suited to own your own business.

2. Does your business acumen come by “nature or nurture”?

Good entrepreneurs often have a combination of both. You may be born with “natural” characteristics, such as the ability to work independently, but these traits are most effective when paired with real business experience to “nurture” your skills.

3. How fast do you expect to succeed?

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to expect overnight success. Most businesses take time to get up to speed and see success, so tracking your progress over time is critical.

4. Are you a path creator or a path follower?

Before you dismiss the latter, understand that both types can be successful entrepreneurs. Path creators are boldly venturesome. This type of entrepreneur is sometimes described as jumping off a cliff and successfully inventing a plan on the way down.

Path followers prefer to rely more on pre-existing knowledge. Franchise opportunities are often a great fit for this kind of entrepreneur, because you can run your own business while taking advantage of proven business strategies and practices.

5. What kind of housing do you prefer?

This may seem like an odd question, but David Lewis, vice president of franchising for Express Employment Professionals, finds this is a quick way to narrow down whether you are fit for a traditional corporate career, a franchise, or a purely entrepreneurial role. 

• Ready to design a house from scratch on grid paper?  You are a pure entrepreneur who is ready to start a business from the ground up.
• Prefer a custom home with help from a good builder? This personality type is perfect for franchise ownership, where you can make your mark, but have a ready-made blueprint for success.
• Want a good home in the nice neighborhood? You are likely a successful corporate employee and don’t want to be in charge of setting up the business structure.
• Have the home, but want a rental on the side? You may not be ready to leave your day job yet, but this shows you’re testing the waters outside the corporate box and may be on a path to franchise ownership.

6. Do you have a mentor?

Mentorship is essential. Seventy percent of business owners with mentors have businesses that are open after five years, double the survival rate of non-mentored small businesses, according to a UPS company survey. A mentor can look at your new business with a critical eye and keep you from getting too far off track, while understanding the demands of business ownership.

7. Can you live with failure?

That may not be what you want to hear when you are setting your sights on success, but even the most successful entrepreneurs meet failure at some time or another. Jack Ma, founder of the world’s largest online commerce center, Alibaba, said he would not be as successful if he had not experienced failure.

Finally, be ready to roll up your sleeves and work hard, say the experts, including billionaire entrepreneur and “shark” Mark Cuban. As he explained in a Business Insider interview, his advice to any entrepreneur is simple: “Do the work. Out-think. Out-sell your expectations. There are no shortcuts.”

How Volunteering Improves Your Employees’ Performance

June 2016   

Whether you send a team of employees to help build a home with Habitat for Humanity or sort canned goods at an area food bank, your employee volunteer program makes a difference in your community and underlines your commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The strongest return, however, might be in your workplace. Research shows that volunteer programs strengthen office camaraderie, enhance employee professional development and raise levels of employee engagement, all factors that lead to a happier workforce and better retention of top talent.

Building a Work Force for Good

Nearly 60 percent of companies surveyed now offer employees paid time off for volunteer work, according to the America’s Charities’ Snapshot 2015 survey, and 82 percent of employees surveyed said they want companies to give them the opportunity to volunteer with their peers in company-sponsored projects.

The payoffs are clear. A study by UnitedHealth Group reveals that 64 percent of employees who volunteer say that volunteering alongside their colleagues strengthens their relationships in the workplace. An almost unanimous 96 percent agree that the experience enriches their purpose in life and gives them a deeper connection to their communities and to others.

Increasing Engagement and Company Pride

Boston College’s Center for Corporate Citizenship asked employers to weigh in on the value of employee volunteerism. The Center’s report revealed that 90 percent of employers cited “improved employee engagement” as one of the top benefits of an employee volunteer program. 

The same report showed that employees who volunteer:

• Take greater pride in their company
• Are more likely to defend and promote the company externally
• Are more inclined to stay with the company
• Are more likely to go above and beyond required tasks to get the job done

Solving Challenges While Building Leaders

Today’s companies think beyond simple volunteerism to make the world a better place to live. CEEP, a collation of CEOs, reports that businesses increasingly use company talent to solve societal challenges.

The group’s report shows that pro bono and board service have increased more than any other kind of employee volunteer program during the past few years. This kind of volunteer opportunity allows employees to feel empowered to help solve real problems, from hunger to homelessness, while developing professional and leadership skills that can be used in the workplace.

A Harvard Business Review article highlights IBM as a leading example of this trend. The company gives employees a month to participate in service abroad and typically deploys 500 young leaders a year on team assignments. These employee volunteers serve in more than 30 developing nations, and fulfill their professional development requirements for IBM through these projects.

According to the article, the employee volunteer program increases the company’s retention rate and helps IBM recruit top talent.

Doing It Right

There are important best practices to follow if you want a successful and effective employee volunteer program, according to a report from Points of Light, a thought leader in the volunteer sphere. 

Most importantly, businesses should set established goals and provide clear direction on the program’ objectives to achieve those goals. Measuring results of the program are equally important, including the impact on the company and to society. Remember to celebrate and report the results across the company and externally. 

  When done well, employee volunteer programs benefit society, help your employees grow, and make them more likely to stay on board. That’s a triple win your business cannot ignore