How Giving Back Benefits Communities and BSCs Alike

Every year, my husband and I get together with a group of friends for Friendsgiving. It started as an opportunity to enjoy good company over a few drinks and tasty food, but it has evolved into so much more. Our annual gathering still focuses on friends, but it now includes a lot more giving. One year we donated our meal to a local food pantry. The next year we donated again, but also volunteered to pack boxes at that same pantry. Last year we served meals to the hungry.   

Although this is the time of year when giving is top-of-mind, volunteering, donating and giving back should last more than one season. Building service contractors across the country are embracing the gift of giving and seeing positive returns from their efforts.  

Scroll through social media and you’ll find BSCs sharing stories about service trips to help local families in South Africa, organizations donating backpacks to school children, staffs spending their days off feeding the hungry, fundraising efforts, or participation in charitable fun runs for local causes. Organizations that give back to the community can yield various benefits, both for the company itself and the community it serves. 

Employee satisfaction and retention: Engaging in community service can boost employee morale and create a sense of pride and purpose among staff members. When employees see their company making a positive impact in the community, they are more likely to feel connected to the company's mission and values, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and improved employee retention rates.  

Improved customer relations: By supporting local initiatives and addressing community needs, BSCs can demonstrate that they care about the well-being of their customers beyond just selling products or services. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.  

Access to new business opportunities: Giving back to the community and engaging with local organizations and community leaders can open doors to new business opportunities, or even access to new markets or customer segments.  

Positive impact on society: Perhaps most importantly, BSCs who give back to the community can make a tangible and positive impact on society. By addressing ESG initiatives, businesses contribute to the greater good and help create a more equitable and sustainable society. 

BSCs who give back are more likely to build long-term success and goodwill, creating a win-win situation for both the business and the communities they serve. 

Corinne Zudonyi is the Editor-in-Chief of Contracting Profits and has been in the cleaning industry for 17 years. She also oversees CleanLink.com, Facility Cleaning Decisions magazine and Sanitary Maintenance magazine.