Can companies bring us closer to charity?

I spent some time on the weekend thinking about charity and why we contribute our time, money and effort. Could understanding what drives people to give or volunteer, be the first step to improving social impact as a company? And should we be looking at why paid volunteer leave is often untouched — what’s the ‘giving gap’ between empathy and action?

Considering that 65% of people want to work for a company with a powerful social conscience. And 73% of customers want companies to help society and the environment (PWC, 2022).

These seem like important questions to ponder.?

Looking at the giving gap, like a business problem?

One of the best ways to solve a business problem is to find somebody who is passionate about solving that exact problem. Sometimes we have to appoint, coach or even hire a person with that particular passion.?

And, when we do hire a passionate person, I can trust that somebody to "give a s--t" about whatever the issue is from the movement they start their work day. The problem they’re passionate about solving becomes not just a part of their job — but always top-of-mind. And often their success is linked to personal and job satisfaction.

Solutions follow passion?

This weekend, I was reminded of what happens when somebody applies business problem thinking to their chosen charity.?

In between ends in The Ashes I was browsing my socials, and read again Niall Harbison's story of dog rescue in Thailand (links to his socials below).

If you haven't heard from him, he's a guy who moved from Ireland to Thailand. As part of his personal journey, he observed that there was a huge gap in care for street dogs on the island where he lives, and decided to do something about it. He's now providing food, medical care, rescue services and is on a mission to save 10,000 dogs. Niall's got a great social media following and funding help thanks to daily posts of positive stories but his impact still relies on him being passionate and intentional about solving a problem.

Is it time for individuals to do more?

While, I applaud Naill’s efforts — I know not all of us can leave our jobs and serve others full time. It’s the right move for some people, it's not for everybody.?

But I think there are opportunities to dedicate time, effort, energy or funds to something you’re passionate about ( alongside the other things in your life). We as business professionals—and if you're reading this on LinkedIn, it's a safe bet you're in that group—can improve our social impact.?

In fact, a recent survey from CECP found that while 89% of companies have a corporate volunteer program, just 17% of their employees participated for at least an hour. It’s time to pull our socks up.?

Can companies help close the giving gap?

As a company leader, I recognise the huge social impact organisations can make, and the benefits for our people and our organisation when we support giving and volunteering.?

At ClickSend, we’re having success with our weekly Red Cross blood donation program. We’re regularly donating blood as a team.?

One of the main reasons that this program has gained and maintained momentum is because of the passionate person spearheading it. Just like Naill they truly "give a s--t" and make it happen.

Plus, as an organisation, we support the Blood Donation program too. Staff are welcome to donate during the working day. We regularly talk about the program on our internal channels, leaders encourage participation, and we keep a leaderboard of lives saved. It’s even included in the induction package.?

What I love about our Red Cross blood donation program is that it’s empowering people to take advantage of their volunteer leave. A group of people are going to volunteer at a local food bank. While, another person will be volunteering to restore seagrass beds to capture carbon and create food for fish.?

For myself, I’m considering how I can make a more intentional effort. I'm lucky to work for an organisation that allows and pays for a couple of days a year to volunteer for a charity of your choice. Feel free to follow along and see where this journey takes me this year…

But tell me - what charities do you support? How much time do you put into it? And how do you balance it with your family, friends, job and self?

And don't forget to follow Niall! If anything, it's some good vibes in your socials every day.

https://twitter.com/NiallHarbison

https://www.facebook.com/niall.harbison/

https://www.threads.net/@niall.harbison

https://www.instagram.com/niall.harbison/

Julian Smith is the Managing Director of ClickSend, He leads a global team of 100 people to deliver a communications platform that businesses and developers love.