“88% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages engages in activities to improve society.” (Better Business Journey: UK Small Business Consortium)
A couple of weeks ago we posted about being more environmentally responsible to inspire event organisers to make their events ‘greener’. In this frame of mind, we should also take action to be more responsible in a corporate social context. Many company events are already the result of this and we only hope to encourage this more! Look at it this way – it’s a two street, you will not only improve your company’s reputation, but you also ensure a positive employee moral. Results: a happy workforce; and isn’t that all what we want?!
A survey from Net Impact found that 53% of workers said that “a job where I can make an impact” was important to them.
There are many ways to work on your corporate responsibility; we have thought of some fun and effective initiatives for you:
Incentive Trip
Organise an incentive trip for your employees to help a charity (national or international). This will give employees something really worthwhile and positive to work towards; and a memorable reward!
- Example: A client recently took 15 members of their team to South Africa to help building a school for the local children in the village.
Charity Event
A fundraising gala for a special charity. This can be through an auction, raffle or selling other items on the night. At the same time you will give your staff/ clients a glamorous evening and you give them the opportunity to contribute and ‘feel good’! Give the event some extra shine with a surprise performance or a celebrity host. And a good photographer to capture everyone walking down the red carpet!
Sport Event
Organise a sport event; this is also good for team building and a way to give young people in disadvantage communities the chance to participate as well and try a new sport.
- Example: Waitrose employees organised a charity bike ride around London. They cycled between 18 different Waitrose branches, covering 55 miles.
Give Others A Chance
Give young entrepreneurs a chance to showcase themselves or their work by organising exhibitions or competitions. Offer mentoring, internships or search investors to support them with their business. Offer internships for (young) people who are less privileged.
- Example: ING Commercial Banking holds their annual exhibition the Discerning Eye, which showcases small works selected by influential people. Works of lesser-known artists hang alongside those of more established artists, helping to connect hundreds of artists with new audiences.
Small Initiatives
Start volunteering tomorrow! Simple ways to give back that don’t need a lot of organising and can just be done at work:
- Coffee mornings with a Bake Sale
Employees contribute baked goods, which will be sold at a Coffee Morning (think of doughnuts, cake and pie slices, brownies, cookies, muffins). Invite employees from different departments and turn it into a network opportunity. - Jeans Days
Don’t we all love casual Friday?! Well, what about jeans day, in the UK there is Jeans for Genes Days, so why not have your own Jeans day at work. We are sure your staff will love it! - Lunchtime Bingo
Lunchtime never been so fun! The entry fee goes to a charity. Most charity bingo events are played for the fun of it and your prizes should reflect this. Some other favourites are gift vouchers (for Spa Days, luxury restaurants, short breaks, etc), beauty sets, DVD boxes.
Just like any other event it is important that you have a clear objective of what you would like to achieve. Also, inform your participants clearly about the project/cause you will be supporting, this will motivate them even more to reach what your goal.
Let us know how your company or workplace works on their corporate responsibility by commenting below; we are always interested in your ideas!
Useful sources:
- Just Giving – enables people to raise money for a charity/cause of their choice in radically new ways
- More corporate fundraising ideas
- The best vouchers for your Bingo event!
of the latest wearable technologies. This digital wristband provides real-time data on audience movement, temperature, and sound levels. Pepsi recently used this technology during a sponsored music event. Guests who were given these wristbands, transferred real-time data back to the DJ and AV team, who could then anticipate with lighting and song selection to generate more excitement among the crowd. Lightwave can also give insight into people’s emotions during presentations, the time spent at an exhibitors booth, what talking points are resonating (by measuring applause levels) and much more. Data can be broken down into groups such as age, gender, profession etc.
Start your engines!! Feel the need for speed with Formula 1 race cars and step into the shoes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso. Drive a F1 race car and take pictures at the Winners podium with the Pit Stop Babes.
Most Experienced Airline”, and get pampered; this night is about you! Gorgeous looking flight attendants will make sure that you have your drink and food/meal/snacks, relax in the in-flight lounge and enjoy the in-flight entertainment.
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