1. Seek out meaningful causes.
Rhodes battled cancer three times and couldn’t help noticing that the people around her during chemotherapy were far less fortunate than she. They had to choose between the bare necessities and the treatments they desperately needed. Thus, Glassybaby, a distributor of exquisite, handblown glass votive candle holders, was born. Rhodes donates 10 percent of the company’s revenue—not simply profits, but raw purchases—to promote what she calls “hope and healing” through the white light fund. To date, Glassybaby has raised more than $7 million in support of causes that affect people, the earth, and animals. 2. Open a dialogue with the community to find places to collaborate. If you feel as deeply devoted to your surrounding community as Working Not Working, you can do likewise. Seek out the assistance of local leaders, and offer your help. The stronger you make the ecosystem where you work and live, the more likely you;ll be to attract talented, like-minded employees to join you. Better still, they’ll be more apt to stay on board because they’ll believe in your vision of the future. 3. Establish company-wide volunteering groups. To show your support of volunteering, why not add it to the benefits of working with your organization? You can offer a specific number of volunteer days per year as a perk, allowing employees to choose which nonprofits and causes they want to support, as well as when it’s convenient for them to take off work to give back. 4. Be an inspiration by modeling social responsibility. Encourage this same type of online motivation among your team members by urging them to practice the art of spreading optimism and inspiration. You can also designate passionate colleagues to help share your brand’s voice, message and beliefs through your company’s corporate channels. Being a leader in the social entrepreneurship space takes forethought and sincerity, but the time invested can deliver far-reaching payoffs. Not only will your enterprise be seen as an appealing place to work by top emerging talent, but you’ll also feel satisfied on an emotional level that you’re not just going to work: You’re honestly making a difference. |