Millennials may be in debt, but they’re more likely to donate or volunteer than other generations. According to a report by Blackbaud, 84 percent of millennials give to charity. And this trend is spilling into the workplace, according to a poll conducted by Morning Consult.

Research from consulting firm Great Place to Work discovered a significant correlation between the way employees feel about their company’s philanthropic efforts and their engagement in their work. Those surveyed reported that companies that made giving back part of the culture and provided opportunities to serve were four times more likely to put in extra time to get their work done, more likely to be active brand ambassadors and more likely to want to stay with the company.

So how are Utah companies doing? According to Forbes’ recently published list of  The 10 Most And Least Charitable States, Utah is ranked as the number one charitable state in the US. This is based on eight metrics such as volunteer rate, percentage of taxpayers in each state who donated to charity and the growth in charitable giving.

So, how can companies capitalize on this trend and provide opportunities to serve? Here’s what a few well-known businesses are doing.

Something everyone can get behind

Qualtrics started a foundation to fund research to beat cancer. CEO and cofounder, Ryan Smith says, “Everyone has been impacted by cancer in one way or another – whether they have fought it or they have a friend or loved one who is fighting.

Our goal is to eradicate cancer from the face of the earth. We are honored to partner with Huntsman Cancer Institute to raise funds for cancer research — research that is changing the way cancer is treated, diagnosed, and fought.” And why wouldn’t your employees want to support a cause like this?

Send employees on humanitarian trips

Nu Skin sends a group of employees to Malawi each year for various humanitarian projects such as distributing bags of food to children and families in need, fixing up local schools and donating water wells to remote villages. “Nu Skin was founded 35 years ago with a mission to be a force for good in the world, and that culture is still central to what we do today,” said Ritch Wood, chief executive officer.

“Whether it’s during our annual service day in the communities where we live and work all around the world, sending employees to Malawi or donating to causes through our non-profit foundation, we are striving to improve the lives of children in need everywhere through our force for good efforts.”  

Company-Wide Service Projects

Ancestry has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to provide financial support and opportunities for employees to help build and repair houses in their neighborhood. Employees from Lehi, Orem and Salt Lake City offices spent a week building a new home for a local American Fork family.

From individuals to companies, it’s easy to see why Utah is one of the most charitable states in the U.S. Like Governor Gary Herbert said  “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”