Employee Engagement
/
11.9.2022

8 ways to give back as a team during the holidays

Ideas for sprinkling joy and inspiring the spirit of generosity throughout the office

When the holiday season is in full swing, it can be easy to get lost in long work days and the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, New Years, and more. While you're busy meeting deadlines and preparing for gatherings at home, remember ‘tis the season of spreading joy. Keep your team focused on what matters most and foster the spirit of generosity in your workplace with these fun appreciation and engagement ideas.


💟  Send out GiveCards

Reward your team and make a difference this holiday season by sending every employee a GiveCard. GiveCard recipients will be prompted to donate the card's balance to a nonprofit cause that matters to them. With a few clicks of the mouse, your company will have made a positive impact on the world. Nothing beats the gift of giving back!

✨  Match donations

Donation matching is an easy way to demonstrate social responsibility in the workplace. Launch an internal peer-to-peer campaign, and match every dollar that is donated to boost participation. Nurture the spirit of giving through incentives, like rewarding employees who donate over $100 with an extra day off during the holiday break.

🎉  Throw a holiday party

Make a difference by hosting a party or happy hour for charity. After all, what better place to celebrate the year's successes than at an event that gives back? Every team member who makes a donation gets a free ticket and drink voucher. Encourage generosity by donating proceeds from beverage sales to the nonprofit of your team’s choosing. Supporting a good cause will get everyone in the holiday spirit.

⏰  Give staff VTO

Give your team the opportunity to volunteer virtually or in-person for a nonprofit cause they care about. Create excitement for the initiative by offering employees VTO (volunteer time off). Share this list of online volunteer opportunities with staff members to inspire them to donate their time. Don't forget to show appreciation for participation! Spotlight generous individuals or groups in a social media post or your internal newsletter as a special way to say "thanks."

🛍  Auction off goods

Liven up old office traditions by auctioning off unique items and experiences at your holiday party. Donate all proceeds from the auction to the nonprofit of your staff's choice. Auction items could include an all-inclusive vacation package, concert tickets, signed memorabilia, or sessions with a personal trainer. A virtual or in-person live auction will engage team members from every department and cultivate the spirit of giving.

🌲 Plant trees

Show your top performing employees some love during the holidays by planting trees in their honor. Through the Priceless Planet Coalition and Mastercard, who work together to preserve forests in Kenya, Australia and Brazil, you can plant a tree on someone's behalf. Each time you donate a tree, the honoree receives a personal message in their inbox. A tree dedication is a festive and eco-friendly way to show appreciation for a team member's hard work.

💵  Donate proceeds

Donate a portion of proceeds made on GivingTuesday, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or New Year's Day to show your commitment to corporate social responsibility. Create a campaign for the initiative and use it as a motivator to generate sales. A large company donation to your staff's favorite nonprofit is guaranteed to sprinkle cheer around the whole office.

🎁  Launch a giveaway

Encourage your team to make a positive impact by launching an internal sweepstakes. Employees can enter the giveaway by making a donation to your holiday fundraising campaign. Entice participants with the chance to win prizes that give back, like time off to volunteer at a local food bank, an organic coffee kit that supports animal rescue organizations, or a goodie box that helps to preserve public lands. A sweepstakes that benefits the greater good is a fun way to engage employees and make a difference in your community.