Beyond Team Building: How Philanthropy Transforms Companies from Within

Team building activities are incredibly important in any organization. From trust building to improved communication, and more, team building can be the glue that holds an organization together and the spring that propels it to new heights. 

Moreover, philanthropic team building activities have specific impacts that go beyond those of traditional team building exercises. Engaging in philanthropic activities, like one of our Team Build & Give events, ignites emotion within that is directly linked to compassion, empathy, confidence, and fulfillment. 

Of course, those positive benefits have a deeply personal impact on those who participate, but philanthropic team building can also provide great benefits to your company or organization overall. 

Why Philanthropic Team Building Activities Are Important 

Positive Brand Image: Engaging in philanthropic activities as a team helps companies build a positive brand image. When employees participate in community service or charitable projects, it showcases the company's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. This enhances the company's reputation, improves its standing in the eyes of customers, stakeholders, and potential employees, and can attract socially conscious consumers. Many of our event partners bring their media team to our events to capture photo and video content, like this, to share on social channels, and we’re always proud to share photos and videos from Team Build & Give events on our social media channels, as well.

Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Philanthropic team building activities can significantly enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction. When employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes and make a positive impact on their communities, it creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This, in turn, leads to higher levels of employee motivation, loyalty, and overall job satisfaction.

Team Cohesion and Collaboration: Philanthropic team building activities require employees to work together towards a common goal outside of their usual work environment. This fosters team cohesion and collaboration as employees unite for a shared purpose, helping them bond on a deeper level. Collaborating on philanthropic projects allows employees to leverage each other's strengths, build trust, and develop stronger relationships, which can have a positive ripple effect on their teamwork within the workplace. Throughout our events, we take participants through unique challenges, like building a bike while blindfolded and taking the instructions of a coworker, to enhance communication and collaboration skills. 

Skill Development and Learning: Philanthropic team building often involves new challenges and experiences that allow employees to develop new skills or expand existing ones. For example, organizing a Team Build & Give event and harnessing cross-department involvement may require project management, communication, and leadership skills. These activities provide your event planner with opportunities for personal and professional growth, enabling them to broaden their skill sets and become more versatile in their roles.

Enhanced Employee Retention: Engaging in philanthropic team building initiatives can contribute to higher employee retention rates. When companies demonstrate a commitment to social causes and provide opportunities for employees to engage in meaningful work, it strengthens the emotional connection employees have with their organization. This sense of purpose and connection reduces the likelihood of employees seeking opportunities elsewhere, leading to improved retention rates and cost savings associated with recruitment and training.

Improved Company Culture: Philanthropic team building can have a transformative effect on company culture. By aligning the company's values with philanthropic efforts, it fosters a culture of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility. This culture attracts like-minded individuals, creates a positive work environment, and reinforces a shared sense of purpose among employees. Many of our partners come back year after year to engage in our events, thus making them a true part of their company’s culture. 

How to Get Involved in Philanthropic Team Building 

Getting your organization involved in philanthropic team building activities requires some research and planning, but can be easy. Firstly, we recommend diving into your organization’s values and mission and finding philanthropic organizations that align. Then, digging deeper into learning about different programs or events that the organizations you’re interested in offer. 

At Wish for Wheels, we make philanthropic team building simple. We work with corporate partners to transform the lives of 2nd-grade students in Title I schools, through unique employee engagement experiences. Your team will work together to build bikes for 7-and 8-year olds while engaging in fun challenges that foster communication, trust, and more. Then, together we give the newly built bikes to local students, feeling an immediate sense of pride as they ride off on their new bikes. The gift of a new bike and helmet provides kids with access to fun, physical activity, neurological benefits, and a chance to expand their independence.

To learn more and begin planning your Team Build & Give event today, please contact us.

Resources:
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm