Friday, May 16, 2014

Workplace Giving: How It Is Relevant To Millennials

By Sebastian Troup


The Millennial generation is quickly gaining a reputation for giving back to their communities, not by writing checks but by rolling up their sleeves and getting involved. So it makes sense that they are looking for more than just a paycheck from their employers. Generation Y strives to be engaged, to do meaningful work, and to make a difference. They are doing this at their jobs by seeking out and participating in corporate workplace giving programs.

Generation Y includes almost 80 million Millennials who are the next generation of employees. They will represent roughly 50% of the workforce by the end of the next decade. So, how can you attract these workers and turn them into productive, happy employees who could also be impactful corporate philanthropists?

How to effectively create ties with a generation that is socially aware, you need to make your corporate giving programs into:

Be Innovative: There's a reason the term "hipster" was born along with Millennials. They are cool, and they like to be a part of things that are trendy. Old tried and true corporate giving programs may be considered stale and outdated by this generation. Look outside your organization for new, creative, and fresh ideas that allow your company's goals and strategy to be achieved differently. Think out of the box to generate interest in your workplace giving campaign.

Technology-utilizing: One sure thing is that majority of the Millennials grew up with computer at home which makes them connected to and with high expectations in terms of technology. Navigating through the workplace giving technology should be easy and quick.

An Offer of Range: Note that Millennials equate high value to "choices." Be sure you can offer a wide range in terms of the charitable choices which also include causes that are highly relevant for them to champion. It is sure that this generation relates to having options.

Directing on Communication: Lots of information needs to be accessed to and enable sharing - these are important for the Millennials. This then calls for your workplace giving programs to be those allowing workers to connect, recommend ad disclose contributions in however way they can. Make sure you give them updates and allow them to share their targets and accomplishments with others in their network.

Stress Volunteerism: Millennials need to know they are making a difference. Research shows they would rather be involved in face-to-face volunteer opportunities than simply donating money to a good cause. They want to be leaders and make their mark on the world, so provide lots of volunteer opportunities for them to shine.

By understanding how Millennials think and work, you can customize your workplace giving program to mind the generational gap and provide an interesting solution that this group of future corporate philanthropists can get behind.




About the Author:



No comments: