3 Ways Corporate Philanthropy Can Help Employee Retention

3 Ways Corporate Philanthropy Can Help Employee Retention A company’s ability to save money through corporate philanthropy is not a new concept, but it is often an underrated one. The average employee turnover rate of all U.S. industries is 16.7%, which is costing companies huge amounts of money. If you lose a top performer, everyone in the business is affected. Replacing them could cause service disruptions, a substantial amount of financing, training and handling cultural shifts. So, how exactly does corporate philanthropy tie in? A recent survey conducted by America’s Charities discovered that there have been dramatic shifts in corporate philanthropy over the past few years. The survey revealed that employees who have grown in the digital culture expect their workplace to offer corporate philanthropy programs to mirror what they can access outside of the workplace. Offering corporate social responsibility programs not only boosts your company’s repertoire but also helps you retain employees. Here’s how: 1. Camaraderie Organizing a corporate volunteer program addresses many problems that cause employee turnover. Some of these causes could be a poor relationship with their boss, bored with the work itself, lack of relationships with co-workers and so much more. When you organize days of service for employees, this gives the opportunity for co-workers to work together and form relationships. 64% of employees who currently volunteer said that volunteering with work colleagues strengthened their relationships. When employees have the ability to work together on something out of the office, like volunteering, it rids of the corporate hierarchy. Employees from different departments and different levels of seniority are able to collaborate and interact on a deeper level, forming deeper relationships in the process. This helps boost employee retention considering close work friendships boost work satisfaction by 50%. 2. Corporate culture meaningful work Employees, especially millennials, want to work for companies that care. A study by Cone Research found that 79% of people prefer to work for a socially responsible company. Integrating a corporate philanthropy program with your business goals and values gives employees a sense of purpose. Having the ability to volunteer, participate in workplace giving programs and matching gift opportunities allows employees to feel more connected to their communities and boosts your company-wide social responsibility efforts. Skills-based and pro bono giving opportunities are also effective in retaining employees. These opportunities give employees the chance the put their abilities to use and give them a chance to grow their professional skills. In a study by Deloitte, 85% of respondents found skills-based volunteering to help talent advance their communication skills vs 77% for non-skills-based volunteering. All of this empowers employees to grow in the company and infuses pride and loyalty. 3. Employee recognition financial stability Employees that are actively disengaged cost the U.S. between $450 billion to $550 billion a year. Engaged employees are happier and perform at a higher level, and people who volunteer report feeling better emotionally, mentally and physically. Research from the University of Georgia shows that employee volunteering is linked to greater workplace satisfaction and productivity.  Jessica Rodell, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, said: Overwhelmingly employees who volunteered gave more time and effort to their jobs, were more willing to help out their colleagues, talked more positively about their companies and were less likely to do detrimental things like cyberloaf or waste time on the job. When employees perform well, management has more of a reason to recognize employee’s efforts. Employee appreciation and recognition reinforces behavior and sets a foundation for future positive performance. In the Millennial Impact Report, 53% of people responded that their passions and talents being recognized and addressed is their top reason for staying with their company. Corporate philanthropy programs have become the center of many company’s efforts in retaining employees. With affordable technology platforms, it’s easier than ever to empower employees to promote their favorite cause. Charitable giving opportunities are important in engaging employees in a changing workplace, and employers need to recognize the importance of staying on top of what employees want so you can constantly reinvent your strategy. About the author:  Liz Bardetti is a seasoned advertising and marketing professional with 15+ years experience, including work for Gatorade, Welch’s and most recently, CyberGrants.  

Writing a Resume - 5 Common College Freshman Mistakes College Students Make When Writing a Resume

Writing a Resume - 5 Common College Freshman Mistakes College Students Make When Writing a ResumeAre you a college freshman trying to write a resume? If so, there are a few tips that will help you avoid making common mistakes that college freshmen make when writing a resume. Read on for some helpful advice on how to write a resume that will stand out from the crowd.Be honest about yourself- The first and most important thing you need to do is be 100% honest with yourself. Never hesitate to tell someone about your mistakes or about anything that makes you uncomfortable. College is a time when you will be tested in numerous ways, including your resume, which is why it is crucial that you keep your communication lines open at all times. Remember, the last thing you want to do is look like you don't care about what you are doing.You must know your strengths- The next tip to follow is to learn exactly what you have to offer employers. This means knowing exactly what you are capable of doi ng. A resume is the first thing that comes to their mind when you are looking for a job. It is an opportunity to showcase exactly what you are good at. Make sure you understand the things that you can do that will be useful to the company you are applying for.Always include your general skills- It is very important that you understand what the company is looking for. It is not necessary that you know what they are going to be looking for specifically, but it is important that you know your strengths. It is also a good idea to know what they are looking for in terms of the skills you have.Don't use a college freshman blurb- It is okay to have a reference that has been a friend for years, but do not use that as your resume blurb. A lot of college freshmen make the mistake of using the college freshman blurb on their resume. The blurb is simply meant to act as a last minute endorsement that allows them to get that job. Be careful about the blurb you include on your resume.Don't use a p hotograph as your resume picture- You do not need to use a photograph of yourself in your resume. It is a common mistake made by many college freshman. Also, don't try to copy a picture from an employer. Just because the photo on your resume looks similar does not mean it is a copy of an employer's picture. While you might get away with a photograph that you copied from a job posting, that does not mean that the picture you used was a picture of someone else.Never misspell a word- Although most words are spelled correctly, it is still important to spell your words correctly at all times. Don't think you can get away with a typo in your resume because you might get a call in the middle of the night saying they spelled your words wrong. If you mess up once, you could end up looking foolish for the rest of your life. Make sure you always spell things correctly, especially when it comes to the job application. You never know who is going to see it.Being a college freshman is a difficult time for everyone involved. The thought of going to school is exciting and fulfilling, but things are never easy. However, with these tips, you can take your resume writing to the next level and get the best job interview possible.

3 Ways To Become A Thought Leader In The Workplace - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

3 Ways To Become A Thought Leader In The Workplace - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Thought leader.  You might have heard this phrase â€" and you’re quite sure what it means. It’s difficult to find an exact definition that is universally accepted, but a thought leader is someone who is known for their innovative ideas, expertise, and is widely recognized as a source of guidance in their industry. Some thought leaders that come to mind are Seth Godin, Oprah, and the late Steve Jobs. However, being a thought leader in the workplace is a little different. Your interactions and reputation are within the confines of the office â€" so your approach to being a though leader should be on personal level. Become recognized as a thought leader Here are three tips to become recognized in your workplace: Create a Presence.    In order to be known for your expertise, you must first be known in general. You can do this by  developing your skills in the workplace. The goal is to be known for something that adds value and makes you a forerunner in the field. Be a Mentor.  Being a mentor to an intern or entry-level employee is not just beneficial to them â€" you’ll be encouraged to learn and know enough about your industry in order to guide them with ease.   As Albert Einstein once said, “If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.” Know Your Limitations.  You don’t have to strive to know everything, but you should know what you don’t know. Simply put, don’t be tempted to exaggerate your knowledge or ability, as you’ll be risking your credibility and accountability. The best practice is to refer to someone who does know. In the end, they may return the favor when someone could use your expertise. How can you be a thought leader in the workplace? Author: Heather R.  Huhman  is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder president of  Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of  Lies, Damned Lies Internships  (2011),  #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle  (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for  numerous outlets.

Personal Branding Interview Dr. Doug Hirschhorn - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Dr. Doug Hirschhorn - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Dr. Doug Hirschhorn, who is a New York-based psychology expert, mental coach and CNBC commentator. He is also the author of 8 Ways to Great: Peak Performance on the Job and In Your Life. In this interview, Doug talks about Conan OBrien, what his brand is, if it should be tweaked now, what his competitive advantage is and how he should leverage his brand now since he doesnt work at NBC. Describe, in a few sentences, what Conans personal brand is? Gawky, quirky, sharp tongued, blue collar guy. Other than his look and joke style, I don’t think his brand was much different from other late night talk show hosts..meaning…he was just another flavor ice cream among the other 5 flavors. Some like strawberry, some like vanilla, some like choc. chip. But, they are all ice cream. Could this brand be tweaked in any way? Yes, and it SHOULD be. He just got fired from a job he thought was secure. Millions of Americans can directly identify with him now, as a person and not just as a celebrity. I think he can bolt onto his brand resiliency and how to reinvent yourself in a tough economy. Could be one of the great inspirational, get-back-on-the-horse-and-ride stories of this decade. IF…he builds a larger platform that has global appeal, and not just late night TV appeal. What is Conans unique competitive advantage, in a pool of late-night funny guys? I think his competitive advantage COULD be that, if he digs in and becomes the TV personality who shows people how to bounce back from setbacks and come back bigger, and stronger than he was before…BUT NOT JUST AS ANOTHER LATE NIGHT HOST. I think he needs to think more GLOBAL, more DOT.com. Imagine Oprah with a comedy flair. That is some powerful stuff in a world that is more interested in laughing than crying right now. How should Conan leverage his personal brand now? He should link up with Oprah or someone with a more serious, global vision/platform and build a product that combines resilience, humanitarian interests and comedy. This would be very new ground not just for him but for the world, which is why it is a risk, but has tremendous upside with NO competition in the space right now. - Dr. Doug Hirschhorn, a New York-based psychology expert, mental coach and media resource. He is the author of 8 Ways to Great: Peak Performance on the Job and In Your Life (Penguin/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, January 2010). A CNBC commentator himself, he knows how cutthroat the television industry can be.   Dr. Doug received his B.A. from Colgate University in 1994, and went on to earn an M.S. in Exercise Science in 2000 from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2005, he received his Ph.D. in Psychology (with an emphasis in sport psychology) from Capella University. He is currently the chief executive officer of DrDoug.com, a consulting firm specializing in “Peak Performance Coaching.” Dr. Doug is based in New York City, where he lives with his wife and three children. He has also appeared on NBC’s Today Show, VH1’s The Fabulous Life, and currently hosts a weekly video blog for CNBC.

The Best Advice For Resume Writing Services

The Best Advice For Resume Writing ServicesWhen you need a Maryland resume writing service for your next professional project, you will want to take advantage of the research a professional can offer. Companies like these are more likely to give their clients a little more personal attention, and that's what you need. Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of the service.First of all, if you want to stay in touch with potential clients, you may want to think about adding a personal touch. A company that offers professional resume writing services should do it on your behalf. In fact, companies like this should be able to provide you with professional resume samples. You can use this to fine-tune your own project.By using a professional, you'll know that your letters are personal and not overly promotional, and this will help keep your prospective clients from thinking they're being sold something when in fact, you're trying to sell yourself. For instance, if you want to try and attract new clients, you may want to include your biography and job history in your letter. However, if you're trying to draw attention to a position, you can say that you're looking for a career change.Keep in mind that your prospective clients will probably be busy with their lives, so don't expect them to take your personal touch too seriously. Research is great, but you'll want to stick to your written words and avoid using too much direct speech. You will need to write your resume without sounding arrogant or too pushy.On top of this, there will be no doubt in your ability to develop a relationship with your future clients. In other words, they won't think you are an annoying salesperson. In addition, a professional Maryland resume writing service should be able to write your resume in a way that's effective. This will ensure that you're able to impress potential employers and will help you stand out among the rest of the crowd.A professional resume service should also give you a free consultation. In other words, if you're not sure what you want, you can ask them. You'll get a professional opinion on what you can expect, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting hired.Finally, when your potential clients to find you, they may want to see more than just your work history. They may want to know more about your interests, and how they can be integrated into your professional future. A professional can put together a portfolio of your previous projects and show you that they have what it takes to produce a finished document. A resume is essentially a contract with a company, and you will want to keep that close at hand.Research is important in any business, but hiring a professional Maryland resume writing service is essential. Instead of asking friends and family members for tips, turn to the professionals and get the most out of the service.

Negotiating Salary Too Soon

Negotiating Salary Too Soon I was talking with a past co-worker yesterday who wanted my advice on a job offer he recently received. But before I go there, let me tell you how he got the offerhe walked in!   Yes, and he met with the President of the company (50 employees and growing).   My friend, lets call him Bob, did know they had a job opportunity and rather than submit his resume electronically he brought one with him. Getting face time with the President isnt typical.  So it worked to  Bobs benefit that he walked in and was able to have this conversation. The president  liked Bobs assertive style and saw great leadership potential for him within his small and growing business. He offered Bob the job on the spot! Then the president and Bob got talking money.   They were negotiating back and forth, prematurely, perhaps.   The president did come up in the salary he was offering just a tad, but not to the point Bob really wanted or needed.   Bob stated he would go home and consider the offer.   Meanwhile, the president said he would be interviewing some of the many candidates that responded to his ad. Hind-sight being 20/20, what could Bob have done differently? He could have indicated he was really interested in the initially offered salary and gone home to think about it. He could have accepted it on the spot or rejected it on the spot. Other thoughts? Bob will be crunching the numbers and if they work, he will be accepting the offer negotiated during their first conversation.   Could he have gotten more??? We may never know.

Phone Interview Planning and Preparation are Key to Success

Phone Interview Planning and Preparation are Key to Success System Checks for a Phone Interview I have a guest blog to share interesting story with a very practical set of recommendations. Enjoy! Coach Wolfgang My phone interview begins in 3 minutes. Ive done all my prep. My resume is in front of me. Job application, company website, questions I intend to ask check, check, check! At 8:30 the Vice President of Sales is calling me on my home phone. I chose my home phone since its easier to have a conversation on a land line rather than a mobile phone line. Its 8:34 am I check my cordless phone handset no missed calls, power on. Its 8:39 am... something is wrong. I call my home phone from my mobile phone it goes straight to voicemail! Aagghhh! Its 8:40 am I glance to the right of my desk and see the base unit for my phone UNPLUGGED! Double aagghhh! Turns out my wife scheduled our bi-annual professional carpet cleaning for that afternoon. We moved furniture out of the living room the night before, including the stand for the base unit of our home phone. Thus, the phone got moved to another room where it sits UNPLUGGED! (I may have mentioned that already.) Unfortunately, the VP decided not to reschedule the call, even after truthfully explaining what happened. Its not an easy feeling to live with. Not only did I put in a lot of time researching the company, studying the VPs background and preparing for the interview but I also thought the job would be great. My regret is not having performed a simple system check. Im confident that this is NOT a reflection on my qualifications for the job just a simple mistake. Therefore, Ive decided to turn this into positive energy and an opportunity to help others avoid this and similar mistakes. Systems are a way of life these days: your car has to run, the alarm clock has to ring, your laptop has to connect to the projector and the water has to flow to your shower. We take many of these things for granted everyday. When a system goes down it can ruin your whole day. If something goes wrong, it is usually easy to deal with. However, when something important is on the line and you only have one chance to get it right, check your systems and create a backup plan. Heres my list of system checks for remote interviews. System Checks for a Phone Interview Question: Will you hear your phone ring? System check: test the ringer volume and the phone has power Question: Will the caller hear you answer the phone? System check: Ask a friend to call your phone and confirm she can hear you, once you answer. Make sure your headset is plugged in and not on mute. Question: Will your phone last the entire call? System check: look at the battery level for all phones and start charging the low ones. Question: What is your backup if your phone stops working or the call drops? System check: keep a charged mobile phone handy and get the phone number for the interviewer. System Checks for a Skype or Webex Interview Question: will your computer work? System check: test microphone level, webcam and volume. what will you do if the electricity is out? Question: will your voice quality sound good? video quality? System check: find out the system requirements for the video/audio service and compare them to your computer system and internet speed. Question: will any distractions intrude on the interview? System check: reduce outside noises and keep people from entering the room you are in. also, close all other computer applications and turn off phones. The bottom line is to put yourself in the interviewers shoes. Go through their motions. First, he or she will pull up the email you sent with your phone number, type the number into the phone, wait for you to answer and say hello. Step through a dry run of the entire interview. Youll see where you are vulnerable and the systems that you are counting on. Most importantly, ensure that you have a backup solution for a true technology failure. If your land-line phone or mobile phone go down can you contact the caller via the internet? If your internet connection goes down can you call the interviewer? Have your bases covered because 1) the unexpected WILL happen and 2) failure to have a backup plan can result in losing the opportunity. If this preparation seems like overkill then just think of me at 8:40 am realizing that a simple mistake just cost me a great new job.