Office lobbies and city centers might be decked out with lights and ornaments, but December can be a not-so-cheery time of year for many. So it makes sense that giving back to the community picks up during the holiday season. According to nonprofitsource.com, 30 percent of annual giving occurs in December.
With that in mind, we spoke to two New York companies about how they take a mission-focused approach to giving back this time of year. They mentioned the importance of considering employee preference and maximizing team usefulness when selecting causes.
Below, Fluent Sales Director Willis Nelson and Smartling HR Director Beatriz Albini-Ruiz told us why they’ve turned certain outings and fundraisers into annual traditions.
This year, Smartling employees raised $6,000 dollars across its global offices for Movember, an initiative designed to raise awareness around men’s health. The company’s HR Director Beatriz Albini-Ruiz said that fundraiser is just one of the ways the team gives back.
How does Smartling give back to the local community, both during the holidays and throughout the year?
Giving back to our community is something that Smartlings cares deeply about. Every year, the company has donated to Translators without Borders, and this year will be no exception. On a quarterly basis, our Global Culture Club (an employee resource group) plans activities at each of our locations to give back to our local communities.
This year, our employees in NYC organized a blood drive with the Red Cross. Together, the Smartling team donated 19 pints of blood, enough to save 57 lives. In April, our team put together care packages of essentials (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, etc.) that were donated to a local homeless shelter. This event was so successful that we’re now carrying out a similar initiative in our Ireland office for the holidays.
Our favorite initiative, one that we’ve been doing the past two holiday seasons, is Toys for Tots. Our employees feel passionate about this cause as we are not only putting smiles on children’s faces but also contributing to our U.S. service members.
This year, our employees in NYC organized a blood drive with the Red Cross.’’
How is this spirit of giving reflected in your company culture?
One of our most cherished values is, “We take care of our people.” Our culture encourages openness, collaboration and peer-to-peer support. It is the No. 1 attribute mentioned in all engagement surveys and recognized on online forums.
On a recent 250-mile bike trip across the African savannah, Fluent Sales Director of Mobile Willis Nelson got to pursue a personal passion and connect with his team while doing good. While every employer might not always be able to pack adventure, employee preference, teamwork and community service into one experience, leadership can identify which areas of service are most important to the team.
How does Fluent give back to the local community, both during the holidays and throughout the year?
As part of our GiveMe5 pledge in partnership with Lucky Forks, I’ll be volunteering at Knock Knock Give a Sock’s holiday carnival for homeless children in the Lower East Side.
Per Fluent tradition, we’ll also take time in-office to stuff stockings to donate to families in need via Services for the Underserved. Throughout the year, the Fluent team participates in Cycle for Survival and holds an annual service day, engaging in a variety of initiatives including volunteering at local soup kitchens and mentoring students in after-school sports and arts programs.
Per Fluent tradition, we’ll take time in-office to stuff stockings to donate to families in need via Services for the Underserved.’’
How is this spirit of giving reflected in your company culture?
Fluent promotes a “spirit of giving” by investing in the personal and professional development of its people and encouraging them to pay it forward. In October, Fluent gave me and five of my colleagues the opportunity to complete a 250-mile bike challenge across the African savannah as part of our Dream Grant trip, an initiative that empowers employees to pursue their passions while doing social good.
Together we raised enough funds to donate over 270 bikes to World Bicycle Relief, an organization that addresses the need for affordable transportation in developing countries. This was the most fulfilling trip I’ve ever taken in my life. From start to finish, I felt like I was giving back to a community that needed support while working closely with my teammates toward a common goal.
