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Dr. Jan Ferri-Reed, President of KEYGroup wrote an article that is hot off of the press for Chief Learning Officer Magazine.  Read it and enjoy!  Release Stress and Build Resilience.

Millennials, love giving back to their community.  This is certainly true at Penn State University where students get involved with the Penn State Dance Marathon, the largest student run philanthropy in the world. The Penn State Dance Marathon, better known as THON, was created in 1973 with a small group of students to raise money for pediatric cancer. Over the years the success of the organization has grown enormously as students raised over $9.5 million for the Four Diamonds fund which aims to combat pediatric cancer.

So how do they do it? Students participate in yearlong fundraising events through fraternities, sororities, or other clubs and organizations. In 2011, a total of 361 student clubs or organizations sent their members on “canning trips”, and held other THON events such as spaghetti dinners, ice cream socials, and more. A canning trip occurs four times a year, where students stand out on street corners in one of their member’s hometown, and collect donations in metal cans.

All of their hard work is rewarded during THON weekend. Students pile into the Bryce Jordan Center to support the THON dancers, do not stand, sit or sleep for 46 continuous hours! The students hope that their efforts give kids a greater chance in fighting their cancers.

THON is an amazing event that captures the spirit of giving from the Penn State College students. It is also an opportunity for students who have nothing in common, work towards a common goal. These passionate Millennials work tirelessly and dedicate their entire school year to exceeding the THON totals from the previous year.

What can you do to give your workplace a common goal?

Of course it is not only the corporate contributions that embody their commitment to health, but it is the dedication of their workforce as well.  Through Stonyfield’s “Make a Difference” Program, employees are encouraged to participate in community service projects during the week.   Stonyfield will pay the employees up to 16 hours of work each year to encourage their employees to get involved and volunteer.   Also, Stonyfield cares about rewarding their most loyal and dedicated workers who have been with the company for at least five years.   The company supports a sabbatical program where employees are able to take 8 weeks of paid time off.  As a result of their revolutionary practices, 76% of Stonyfield employees feel that they have a great work/life balance.  What is your organization doing to encourage your employees to give back?

At Patagonia, the work-family balance is an essential component of keeping their employees satisfied.  To support new parents, employees can take up to two months of paid time off which helps employees and their families get adjusted to their new lifestyle.  Additionally, new parents can choose to slowly get back to their full-time work schedules after the eight weeks is over.  But that’s not all – Patagonia also offers a variety of options for childcare. Employees have the option of choosing on-site childcare at Patagonia or they can choose from a network of childcare providers who will come to the employees’ homes. And if an employee prefers to use an outside childcare provider over Patagonia’s suggestions, it’s no problem…the company will help pay for the costs of outside childcare providers as well! Lastly, the company supports a school program which gives each employee five days off so that they can be involved in their children’s school activities.

This family focused approach has significantly reduced absenteeism and turnover.  It’s no question that women have a lot to benefit from working at Patagonia.  According to ABC World News report, 62% of women stay with Patagonia due to the flexibility in their work schedules.  Evidently, it has prevented a lot of employees from having to quit their jobs.  What can this do for your company?