Workplace morale

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As you scroll through your social media feeds, it's not uncommon to see the businesses that you follow post pictures from various community service projects that they participate in. It can sometimes be easy to quickly look at these posts, say, "Oh, that's nice," and move on. But the importance of what these businesses are doing can't be overstated.

The importance of workplace community service projects goes far beyond the good deed itself. Here are three reasons why every company should consider taking part in community service:

It's Important To Make A Difference

Businesses that have the means usually try to give back through a variety of channels. Sometimes it takes the form of backing an initiative such as environmental sustainability, or it could be backing multiple philanthropic efforts, including donating to or having partnerships with multiple charities.

Volunteering and community service tend to be two of the most popular charitable activities because they allow the workforce to get out of the office and build bonds between the business and the community.

If everyone with the means to do so was able to help out, it would solve a lot of problems in the world. That's why any effort taken by a business to give back is important. No effort is too small!

It's Good For The Workforce

There's something about changing up the daily routine that can really invigorate a workforce.

Leaving the office for a day outside cleaning up the community, building something, or volunteering can really benefit employees. For one, it gives employees a chance to work together and interact outside of the office, allowing them to get to know each other better in a somewhat more relaxed setting.

In addition, working together with co-workers on different tasks outside of the office is great team building and could potentially lead to better work performance and pride in the workplace.

According to a 2017 Deloitte Volunteerism Survey, 89% of those surveyed believe that companies that organize volunteer and charitable activities offer better work environments than those that don't, and 70% agree that companies that sponsor such activities have a much more pleasant work environment.

Some companies are unable to commit their entire workforce to a full day of community service and will instead offer their employees paid time off, also known as volunteer time off (VTO), to pursue community service endeavors on their own time.

For some employees, workplace community service may be their first experience with community service and it could encourage them to take part in other efforts outside of work.

Taking part in community service not only teaches employees good philanthropic efforts, but it brings the office together.

It's An Important Part Of Your Employer Brand

Imagine this situation! You're heavily recruiting a potential new employee and it's down to your company and a rival company. The pay and benefits are similar but, ultimately, the employee chooses your company because they're impressed with your community service efforts.

This isn't a far-fetched scenario!

Community service is an essential part of a company's employer branding efforts. According to a 2017 Glassdoor survey, 75% of U.S. workers surveyed said they expect their employer to support community service/volunteer efforts. It's also an essential part of a company's culture, as 70% of employees surveyed by Deloitte said volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours.

Job seekers want to know what type of charitable efforts your company is involved in and those efforts should be featured prominently on your company's website under your company culture section and on social media. Knowing that a company is socially aware and that they have an opportunity to do some good is an attractive perk for job seekers looking for their next career opportunity.

Need help with your employer branding efforts?

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3 Reasons Why Your Company Should Participate …

5 Easy Ways To Get Ahead In The Workplace

You're looking for a career boost. You're possibly past your first-year mark at work. You've learned the ropes of your position, but you feel like you're slowing down. What are some ways you can get ahead at work?

There are many positive things you can do that can help you get ahead at work. In fact, the value of these tasks is they make you more motivatedâtherefore, giving you the career boost you need.

Show Enthusiasm For Your Work

Man shakes hands with a colleague at work

I know. How can you ever feel enthusiastic about work, especially when you already feel sluggish with the same work after a few years? It is precisely this reason I ask you to be enthusiastic. To be enthusiastic at work is about a mental state. You need to make the decision to be enthusiastic. Start by saying, "I will be an eager participant in this project or task."

Attack your task with energy. Do not drag your feet. The more you tell yourself, "This is so boring," or whatever the excuse may be, the worse you will feel. Get interested in the work, and the energy will come naturally. Then, decide to be eagerly involved. You cannot get ahead at work without energy.

Be Efficient In The Workplace

Two coworkers work on a project together

Strive to be the most efficient worker on your team. According to Webster's Universal College Dictionary, to be efficient means "performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort." When you are effective, you're producing the intended result. When you are efficient, you do it with the least waste of time and effort. That means you are capable and competent.

If you constantly strive to be the most efficient worker, then you will eventually get ahead in your career. You will get a career boost because you are the most capable and competent on the team.

Strive For Excellence While Working

Of the five things you can do to get ahead in the workplace, this one probably calls for you to give yourself some pressure. A little pressure is good since it makes you push yourself harder. Strive for excellence in everything you do. Do not be content with good. Go for great.

Exceed expectations by knowing good is sometimes not good enough. Give everything your utmost best. You will naturally see how this becomes your career booster. When you strive for excellence in everything you do, you naturally surpass others in your work.

Show Up To Work Early

Have you ever thought that showing up to work early can get you ahead at work? It can, especially when your workplace practices flextime. Many people take flextime for granted. They stroll in and out at their own pace, not knowing they have probably wasted productive time.

Start early at work. Some of my most productive days are those I start early before the phone rings and before my staff walks in with questions. Clear your emails from last night and craft that important email when there are no disturbances.

Be Someone Your Co-Workers WANT To Work With Every Day

Make every effort to be the easiest person to work with in the office. Now, I am not saying compromise your need for excellence. For example, this means don't complain and grumble each time there is a team meeting. No one likes to work with someone who nags all the time.

When you are easy to work with, you make working enjoyable for your co-workers too. An upbeat workplace is welcomed everywhere, and you give yourself a competitive edge. That competitive edge is your career booster.

Want to know how your interact with your co-workers, and how it impacts your work? This FREE quiz will tell you your workplace strengths and how to use them to your advantage.

There is no need for complicated plans to get a career boost. Doing these simple things can help you get you ahead at work.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Core Values That Every Organization Should Have

Recently, a list of companies that have the happiest employees was circulated online. The companies were commended on their ability to promote a healthy work environment and sustain work-life balance. Pfizer came out on top with Kaiser Permanente coming in second, followed by Texas Instruments. Looking at these lists, one wonders how these companies are able to promote such a positive productive environment for their employees.

Many would think this is due to compensation packages or other related perks. But then, is work only about earning money? Is it the most important aspect when employees join a new company? What about the other factors that play an important role in building a strong bond between the employee and the organization?

A bond that stems from mutual appreciation and respect for the value system that both parties shape together
A bond that is dependent on many diverse factors such as recognition, open communication, and teamwork
A bond that strengthens over time when the employee performs well

The importance of core values is illustrated by a quote from famous author and inventor, Edward de Bono: "Effectiveness without values is a tool without a purpose."

This analogy really hits home. A purposeless tool is a worthless thing and so is a company without a campusâa culture that is formed on the basis of core principles.

Core values serve to constantly guide both the employee and the company in achieving their mutual goals, in a manner that is based on an ethical and ideological framework. Every business is different, and so are their core values. Having said that, there are some principles that are alike for all, even though they may be phrased differently.

Here are four such core values every organization should have:

1. Integrity And Ethics

Group of employees in an ethical workplace

Simply put, the two principles of integrity and ethics translate into doing the right thing, in an honest, fair, and responsible way. Building your entire business on the foundation of honesty and integrity goes a long way toward building a strong, trusting relationship with your employees, stakeholders, and customers.

Truthful conduct on everyone's part can create a strong, credible reputation for the company in the market, which is beneficial for everyone's interests.

2. Respect

Employees are respectful of one another in a meeting

Without dedicated employees, a company is nothing. Period.

Committed employees form the backbone of the entire corporation. They work together with the system in order to achieve growth and profitability.

A company has a responsibility toward its employees and, if one of its core principles is showing the utmost respect to its employees, it's likely management will have a low employee turnover rate.

Respecting all employees means respecting their individual human rights and privacy, and eliminating all kinds and forms of discrimination, whether based on religion, belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or physical disability. Moreover, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees is an important part of giving respect to them.

Many organizations across the globe adopt an attitude whereby the entire company interacts together like a close-knit family. Such an atmosphere helps boost the confidence of employees and makes them feel like an important, even indispensable, part of the organization. This inspires feelings of commitment and a drive to do even better.

3. Innovation (Not Imitation)

Companies that focus on being ahead of their competitors and introducing new ideas in the marketplace follow the principle of "innovation, not imitation." This is crucial if a company wants to be a trendsetter and introduce new products that consumers appreciate.

Employees in such companies are encouraged to be dynamic and come up with innovative ideas that can translate into successful products for the company. Constantly imitating others won't take the business far.

4. Drive

The thirst to constantly improve can be achieved if one is never satisfied. Organizations that have this principle as one of their core values try to provide a dynamic platform for their employees, where they can explore their creativity and skills and further enhance themselves.

While celebrating successes is an important thing, just sitting back and getting complacent over them is unacceptable for such companies. The reason why some companies habitually do well is because they know that employees are the most valuable resource.

Nothing compares to an employee who is dedicated and willing to go the extra mile. This requires a company to cultivate an environment that promotes respect and frowns upon politics. If you want to achieve this type of work environment at your company, these four core values are a great place to start.

Want to attract the best talent to your organization? Work It Daily can help!

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