Q Back when I ran my small company, we dealt with the extra stress of the holiday season in part by focusing some of our staff's energy into charitable projects. Since the holidays are particularly stressful in bad economic times, perhaps you have some thoughts on this?
Liz Reyer: Staff charity efforts can help as a holiday stress reliever
For the Minnesota Star Tribune
December 6, 2009 at 10:59PM
A Helping others is a great way to manage holiday stress. Even better, continue some efforts year-round for year-round benefits.
The inner game
Be sensitive to others' differences as you plan your approach. Invite, don't mandate, participation. Respect that people will find different causes to be compelling and be appreciative of their values, even if it's not a priority you share.
As the owner (or manager in a larger company), decide how much investment your organization can make. Perhaps you have a small matching fund you could use for donations or can authorize a certain number of volunteer hours. Be clear on what you have in mind, and share it with your employees.
The outer game
For some ideas to get things going, I'd like to share some inspiring ways people and organizations have made a difference. These are not endorsements, nor a complete list, just a way to get started.
Consider a classic holiday approach: retail-based programs such as Toys for Tots, "adopting" a family (Star Tribune, Dec. 1) or working at a food program such as Feed My Starving Children. Heifer International helps families in the United States and internationally become self-sufficient through raising animals.
Food shelves have shown alarming shortages this year, driven by tough economic times, and could use help. Laverne and Babs Wheeler make monthly trips to donate to rural food shelves (Star Tribune, Nov. 26). But you don't have to rearrange your life -- collect a bag a month for your local food shelf, maybe calling ahead to find out what they need the most.
Want some other ideas?
• Form a giving club. Members snack and socialize, and they also bring a donation to a charity of the host's choice. Members give what they choose -- large or small. (Star Tribune, Oct. 8)
• Get involved with a micro-lender. This is an amazing model that loans as little as a few dollars to give a start to entrepreneurs in developing nations. Repayment rates are stunningly high, and the benefits to families and communities are even higher. Check out Kiva as one example. (Star Tribune, June 21, 2008)
• As a company or individual, donate your expertise through pro-bono work for a nonprofit.
Make collecting fun. Try a "Guest at Our Table" program, making mealtime donations into a box on the dining room or break room table. Or, set up meeting "rules" in your office with price tags attached: $1 if you're late or interrupt. Everyone wins on that one!
This column just scratches the surface on ways we can help each other. Use search engines to find them online, and be sure to check them out to be sure they're legitimate. Readers, send your favorite ideas, too.
The last word
Whatever your approach, challenge yourselves to make this an ongoing program. Needs don't end on Jan. 1, and you can make a difference that inspires others.
What challenges do you face at work? Send your questions to Liz Reyer, a credentialed coach and president of Reyer Coaching & Consulting in Eagan. She can be reached at liz@deliverchange.com or 651-398-4765. Questions also can be submitted at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner.
Health care spending rose by 15%, driven by higher prices. Officials say solutions are needed to prevent Minnesotans from being priced out or delaying care they need.
