Creating meaning and community through giving back is no cliché – it is a part of our culture.
In 2014 the idea of creating a Giving Back Committee at BL Companies was sparked. BL had lots of generous employee owners providing time and donations to many organizations and the thinking was that a committee could harness that individual passion for doing good into something firmwide. “As the chairperson of the committee, the vision was to create a place within BL where we ignite enthusiasm for giving back and have our employees’ passions become a ripple effect throughout the company,” said Heather Halotek, Executive Director of Marketing. “When your friend or colleague tells you about a park they are headed to clean up or an organization that is having a fundraiser for a cause – you join in to help. Being part of something and giving back becomes contagious – in a really good way.”
With the committee in full swing, for over eight years now, BL has seen the benefits of giving back. Sponsored giving-back initiatives or pro bono projects help employees feel their work matters and that they are part of a worthwhile community. As a multi-state firm, BL has success with virtual drives and donation matching while keeping in-person volunteering opportunities local to each office. The important thing is that our initiatives continue to build a sense of community and meaning in both the places where we work and live.
One of our most popular giving-back events each year is our Pet Photo Contest which raises funds and supplies for animal shelters around the country. It’s a fully virtual event but it still creates a great sense of community and camaraderie because it lets employees connect while sharing something they love – their pets. Our employees would still donate to animal shelters if we asked. However, going beyond just asking for donations [and making it into a fun and engaging contest] has proved more impactful in terms of our culture. Another successful program is our “Giving Back Spotlight”, which is a mini newsletter highlighting one employee and a cause they are involved in and passionate about. Giving Back isn’t magic but its impact can be magical. It’s a valuable tool for attracting and retaining talent. A giving-back program doesn’t lighten workloads, but it does give employees a sense of meaning and belonging. And perhaps most importantly, it gives employees a good reason to be proud of where they work.