Good sales, high yields & happy customers! Business Benefits of Community Engagement
#BeavertonAreaChamberofCommerce
Did you know that employees who do volunteer work with their colleagues tend to be more engaged and committed to their employers? There are many studies that demonstrate the benefits of coworkers teaming up on community projects.
Many companies understand these benefits. Some pay their employees while doing community service, some schedule teams of employees to volunteer during the regular workday. As employees work alongside each other in service, they build stronger bonds and respect. This provides more context for working through problems and conflicts back at work.
Sure, it can be hard for very small businesses to take time away from day-to-day activities to volunteer together. However, with advance notice to customers and suppliers, most businesses can close for a few hours or half day to volunteer together. Heck, some of your customers might even join you in your efforts if you ask them!
How do you find great volunteer opportunities? Look around. Lots of local nonprofits, schools, parks, and other community-based organizations would love your help.
Here are a few great options:
- Community art projects. Tualatin Valley Creates and other local arts organizations help design and install public art projects like murals.
- Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District (THPRD) also does public art projects, plus activities like park cleanups.
- Good Samaritan Ministries has several projects – including special events at their office and outreach in the community.
- Habitat for Humanity has opportunities to help at their ReStore and local build sites.
- Family Justice Center of Washington County has a variety of ways to help.
- Beaverton Resource Center can always use volunteers to help with packaging food and / or school supplies.
For other ideas you can search Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org) or Hands on Greater Portland (www.handsonportland.org). And while you’re out there doing great work, have fun together! Here’s to a nice transition to fall, good sales, high yields, and happy customers!
See y’all out in the community.
By Rob Routhieaux, Director of Small Business Support & Development. For more information about how your business can be involved or sponsorship opportunities, email us at info@beaverton.org or call, 503-644-0123.
