Shopping from small businesses as a corporation can have a positive impact on employee engagement in several meaningful ways:
- Increases Employee Pride: When a company actively supports local and small businesses, employees often feel a sense of pride in their employer. Knowing their workplace values local contributions can boost morale and foster a deeper connection to the company's mission.
- Enhances Team-Building: Partnering with small businesses offers opportunities for unique, customized team experiences—like local food catering, community events, or bespoke workshops. These activities create memorable team-building moments and reinforce a sense of unity and shared purpose among employees.
- Promotes Workplace Values: Supporting small businesses demonstrates values of community and social responsibility, which can resonate strongly with employees. When employees see their company "walk the talk," it increases their alignment with organizational values and commitment to the company.
- Empowers Local Community Engagement: When a company invests in small businesses, it builds connections to the local community, which can encourage employees to engage in community efforts, volunteerism, or corporate social responsibility initiatives. This can add meaning to their work, as they see tangible, local impacts from their efforts.
- Boosts Employee Satisfaction with Products and Services: Small business partnerships can bring unique products and services into the workplace, whether that’s locally sourced catering, eco-friendly office supplies, or artisanal corporate gifts. Employees often enjoy and appreciate these choices, which contribute to a more enjoyable and personalized workplace experience.
By actively supporting small businesses, corporations can make employees feel more valued and connected to both their organization and their local community. This ultimately helps build a more inclusive and engaging workplace culture.