Rewind to 1970, the very first Earth Day March in New York City.
Thousands of people flooded the streets around 5th Avenue, joining thousands of other marchers in hundreds of other cities around the world. The crowd carried banners asking for pollution regulation; children cleared trash away from beaches, while others went to the city’s parks for a boroughs-wide cleanup, according to documents from the NYC Municipal Archives. Images likely flashed in participants’ minds of the recent oil spill along the coast of Santa Barbara, California, or the photo recently taken via Apollo: the famous “Earthrise” photo, showing the fragility of the blue planet to the masses.
Today, efforts to make the city cleaner and healthier are similarly met with enthusiasm. Just ask volunteers from NYC-based fintech company Order.co, who are now several years into a tradition of joining fellow New Yorkers as they clean up the city’s parks on Earth Day — just like they did in 1970.
Volunteering as a group for this important effort has become a key part of the company culture, according to Karen Bedell, vice president of people at the company.
“By coming together for this cause, we not only help the environment but also create a strong sense of community among our team,” Bedell said.
Built In spoke with Bedell about how the company’s culture and values are built around efforts like volunteering for Earth Day and supporting women-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses.
Order.co is a spend efficiency platform with a mission to simplify buying for businesses.
Describe how Order.co gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves?
At Order.co, giving back to the community is not just a mission; it’s a deeply embedded part of our culture. One of our most consistent efforts is our Earth Day park cleanups in New York City, which have been a major initiative for the past four years. By coming together for this cause, we not only help the environment but also create a strong sense of community among our team.
Our commitment to community engagement also extends to our remote employees, who are offered volunteer paid time off. This allows them to support local causes that are meaningful to them, whether through environmental projects, mentorship programs or helping at food banks. By offering this flexibility, we empower our team to give back, regardless of location, while making a direct impact in their own communities.
How do these community outreach efforts bolster Order.co’s mission?
Our guiding core value of “Mahalo,” which has everything to do with leading with gratitude and humility, is reflected across our community initiatives. Our continued support of women-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses through our focus months, as well as our charitable donations to the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust and other employee-selected organizations, reflect our commitment to diversity and our community.
These initiatives cultivate a workplace where inclusivity and fairness are valued and practiced every day. Through our community outreach efforts, we have built Order.co to be more than just a workplace — it’s a community of people united by a shared purpose, which ultimately leads to greater engagement and overall satisfaction.
What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at Order.co?
For leaders looking to build a culture of service and giving back, it’s crucial to start with initiatives that align with your company’s values and the interests of your employees. My advice to other leaders is to integrate volunteerism into the fabric of your company culture. Make it part of your organization’s core values and encourage leadership participation.
Recognize and celebrate employee contributions, and find ways to align your volunteer programs with both your mission and your team’s passions. When you make giving back an essential part of your company’s DNA, you’ll see not only a positive impact on the communities you serve, but also a stronger, more engaged workforce.
