The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration and giving. It’s also a time when businesses can positively impact their communities and foster goodwill with their customers and employees. Beyond pursuing profits, businesses have a unique opportunity to give back this holiday season and make a difference when they weave giving into the company fabric. 

Incorporating the habit of giving can shape how employees interact, make decisions and engage with their work. It can define the soul of your business and transform the communities where employees live and work. Help build this habit and make it part of your business by fostering a culture of giving.

Charitable donations

One of the most direct ways your business can give back this holiday season is through charitable donations. This could involve donating a percentage of your holiday profits to a local charity or cause that aligns with your values. Companies can also encourage employees to participate in donation drives by matching their contributions.

Organize volunteer initiatives

Many businesses have employees eager to volunteer their time and skills to help those in need. During the holiday season, your company can organize volunteer initiatives, such as serving meals at shelters, wrapping gifts for underprivileged children, or sponsoring families in the community for the holidays. These activities benefit the community, strengthen team bonds and boost employee morale.

Supporting local businesses

The holiday season is an excellent time for businesses to support other local enterprises. You can do this by sourcing products from local suppliers or featuring products from local artisans in your stores. Collaborative efforts like these can help stimulate our local economy and create a sense of solidarity within the community.

Employee assistance programs

For businesses with a strong commitment to their employees, holiday season assistance programs can make a real difference. Offering financial assistance, counseling services or paid time off during the holiday season can help alleviate stress and improve your employees’ well-being.

Customer engagement

Engaging customers in philanthropic efforts can be another powerful way to give back this holiday season. Businesses can run “buy one, give one” campaigns, where for each product purchased, they donate a similar item to a person in need. Customers appreciate and support businesses that share their values.

Giving back during the holiday season should not be a one-time event but part of your company culture. By embracing and incorporating these ideas into your corporate culture, we can contribute to a happier, more engaged employee base while building stronger relationships with customers and local communities. Giving back is not just an act of generosity; it’s an investment in a better business climate for Utahns.