Community involvement. Empowerment. Making a difference. These words and phrases have become driving buzzwords in today’s marketplace.

As awareness about local and global social issues continues to grow, many consumers are choosing to do business with organizations that align with their personal values and make an impact in the broader community.  This shift in expectations offers an opportunity for businesses to define the impact they desire to make through their organization, employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

Within the workforce, it has been our observation that employees, particularly Millennials, want to work for organizations where they see a direct correlation between their day-to-day work and “making a difference.”

Whether it’s philanthropy, volunteering in the community, or recycling, an increasing number of consumers and employees support businesses and organizations that stand up for the local and global issues that are important to them.

This trending change is a great opportunity for smaller organizations to assess how they can make a greater impact.  To begin:

1) Look at your core business
2) Review your vision, mission, and values
3) Survey and talk to employees
4) Cultivate those employees who are interested in giving back and who are natural leaders
5) Develop priorities and guidelines, but leave room to be flexible

As you consider your organization, in what ways can you get involved in the local and global community to make the world a better place?