How organisations can benefit and improve team morale by working with charities
By Stacey Kitzinger
On March 19th, the covid-19 pandemic turned homeworking from being a flexible working option that some organisations offered, to the normal working environment for most organisations.
After having some time to adjust, many are now considering making homeworking the future norm. Whilst homeworking has its benefits for employees, such as saving time and money on commuting, it’s vital for organisations to consider the reduced face-to-face social interaction and the impact that has on individuals and the team dynamic. During a time where many employees are also juggling childcare, health anxieties or shielding, now more than ever, organisations must consider ways to engage with their employees, boost team morale and maintain social interaction.
Partnering with a charity can not only achieve that, it can also build a positive brand awareness of your organisation and allow you to give back to the community to make a real difference.
Many organisations make a one-off donation to charities or invite their employees to donate and match the donation. This has been a lifeline for charities such as Age Scotland, who have gone through an unprecedented period where there has been a huge increase in demand for services, particularly their helpline, whilst many fundraising opportunities have ceased. As well as benefiting the charity, research from Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) shows that 57% of people feel that offering employees the chance to donate to charity boosts employee morale.
Susan Pinkney, Head of Research at Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) says: “Our research shows that supporting charities is a great way to improve morale in the workplace. Not only does it help businesses and organisations to retain their existing workforce, but showing support for charities helps employers attract new talent’’
But how can you build on that to create a meaningful partnership that benefits both parties?
At Age Scotland, our fundraising team will work with you on a one-off event or a longer-term partnership to ensure that the fundraising opportunity is maximised whilst engaging with your staff for the best possible results.
Stacey Kitzinger, Corporate Fundraiser at Age Scotland says: “I am often told of the positive impact supporting our work has on organisations. From the feel good factor it gives employees, knowing as part of their role in the workplace they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of older people, to fundraising events, in person or virtual, which are a great way to engage with staff on a social level, improve teambuilding skills and have a lot of fun in process.
From the outset Age Scotland works with organisations to establish partnerships that support our vital work and give back to the organisation in a way that means the most to them’’
Organisations that Age Scotland partner with have echoed the benefits to their organisations. SKY Cares Manager, SKY UK Limited, Beth Champion told us:“Working with Age Scotland and other Sky Cares charity partners has been a fantastic opportunity for Sky to give back to our local community. It’s helped our people find different ways to give back and help out, as even small things and actions can make a big difference. It’s created a real sense of pride in themselves and Sky, especially during lockdown where they helped deliver meals and care packs and volunteer remotely on befriending services.”
C.E.O of Arran Sense of Scotland, Kevin Meechan said: “We were delighted to be able to support Age Scotland, particularly during the peak of the pandemic. At ARRAN Sense of Scotland we have undertaken multiple charitable and gifting initiatives during the last 4 months in support of front line and vulnerable groups. The team have been overwhelmed at the response we have received, and knowing that we have been able to help support the most vulnerable and make a difference during these unprecedented times is truly touching and morale boosting. Please keep up the great work Age Scotland!”
So how can your organisation get involved with Age Scotland?
Upcoming events such as the Age Scotland Big Wheesht (www.age.scot/bigwheesht), can give organisations the opportunity to create a buzz and increase staff engagement. There are many ways employees can take part from parting company with mobile phones and social media or having a virtual silent disco. Events like this allow your employees to bond from home, socialise over a shared event and feel good about supporting older people, who need us now more than ever.
Additional elements to this fundraising campaign such as the The Big Wheesht Corporate Challenge (www.age.scot/corporate/BigWheesht) can allow your organisation to ensure direct engagement between your senior leadership team and employees. The challenge looks for business leaders to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test to raise £1,000, before being allowed to speak again. By having two leaders in your organisation go head to head to see who can reach their target first, you can encourage different teams to compete to support their leaders, providing a teambuilding opportunity and a great opportunity for leaders to engage with the employees in an informal and social way.
However you choose to partner with Age Scotland, you can be sure that the charity will be there for you every step of the way. Committed to maximising the fundraising to support more older people across Scotland, whilst ensure we engage in the best way possible with your staff.
To find out more about The Big Wheesht or other ways to work with Age Scotland contact Stacey Kitzinger on: stacey.kitzinger@agescotland.org.uk
#theBIGwheesht #TeamAgeScotland #HaudyerWheesht
