Employee Engagement in Non-Profit Organizations

Many, though not all, people who work for non-profit organizations do so because they support the organization’s mission. They work for organizations that are focused on the problems those employees care about.

That presents an opportunity. Non-profit organizations that are so focused on their external branding and messaging might focus more time and energy on how to engage and be rewarded by their employees’ passion for the cause. 

By nature, a non-profit organization focuses on gaining donors; by attracting those donors, they can then focus on serving their community. But none of that can happen without dedicated employees and volunteers. 

Many non-profit employees have a vested interest in the organization’s mission—someone with a loved one fighting cancer who works for an organization supporting cancer victims, for example; or someone who was a victim of crime who works for an organization focused on victim’s rights. 

Don’t neglect your internal branding, which is how employees feel and communicate. Here are three ways you can engage your employees. 

1)   Show appreciation for their hard work. This can be as simple as thanking them for a specific piece of work they accomplished or a circumstance when they performed beyond what was expected. A round of applause costs nothing but means a lot. 

2)   Show vulnerability and admit when you have made a mistake. If you make an error, be honest about it with your employees. They’ll respect you for admitting it. They know you’re human, so they won’t be surprised. 

3)   Allow employees the opportunity to give feedback and actually address their concerns. Addressing their concerns doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to give them what they want, but you can discuss openly with them how you evaluated their comments and concerns and what you are able to do to improve the situation under discussion. 

Your organization is a living organism, made up of your employees, volunteers and clients. You need to be sure you’re communicating honestly with all three groups. In fact, a person who is engaged, motivated, and appreciated can become the biggest advocate for your organization.  

In being honest and open with them, you are not only encouraging reciprocity. You are also making sure they share a positive message about the organization with the world.