Earth Day tends to be a very convenient day for small businesses and corporate teams to get out in the community for a day of service. The nationally recognized day makes for great social media content, and the weather is usually mild enough for everyone to spend some time outside. If you own or manage a small business, it’s not too late to put together a plan for an Earth Day service project on April 22nd.
Our region of Bucks and Montgomery Counties has no shortage of opportunities to serve. There are countless nonprofit organizations, parks, conservation boards, and youth associations that would be more than happy to put a group of volunteers to work for the day. While Earth Day usually means an outdoor project, doing good in the community can happen any day and anywhere. Engaging in a service project builds goodwill in the community, strengthens your team, and shows your customers that you’re invested in more than your business. No business is too small to serve, so whether you have two people or twenty, you will make a difference.
The Benefits of Service Projects for Small Businesses
Community service projects offer a unique way to connect with the people and places your business can reach. Whether you run a storefront or a service business, your reciprocal support for the community that supports you will make a big impression. Wear company swag or make a special T-shirt for your project day to get the marketing boost out of your efforts. Since the world runs on social media these days, make sure to get some good pictures of your team at the site of your project. Tag and thank the organization you supported for hosting you in a post that highlights some of your day. If you helped a nonprofit or service organization, they’ll probably thank you on their account as well. While marketing isn’t the point of serving, it’s not taboo to be proud of being a local resource.
Beyond the public-facing perks, your service project is a great team building exercise. A day out of the office and working side-by-side gives people a chance to chat and work together in a new way. You and your employees can get to know each other a little better, discover skills in one another that you don’t normally see, and share in the pride of a job well done. A day of service doesn’t just improve the team spirit, but it also boosts overall morale. Employees usually appreciate some time out of the office, and they tend to be proud to work for a business that gives back. If you rely on employee input to choose the project, the team will be even more enthusiastic to serve.
When your service project is complete, be sure to top off the day with a celebratory treat. Be creative, but keep it convenient. Try not to overcomplicate it by pulling the staff to another location, or keeping people beyond their normal working hours. Something like popsicles or root beer floats either at the project site or back at the office will hit the spot. It should just be a casual treat to thank everyone for their efforts.
Your Commercial Insurance Protects Your Business and Employees During a Day of Service
Stepping out of the office for an Earth Day project might bring up some uncertainty about your insurance coverage. If something goes wrong, will you be covered? The answer is yes. If you have a commercial liability policy and workers compensation, your insurance will follow you out into the community. You can focus on serving and having a great day while knowing that you, your employees, and your business are all protected.
Your general liability policy makes sure your business can handle a mishap. If one of your employees accidentally damages someone’s property, or even causes an injury, general liability usually covers the claim. Thankfully, service recipients don’t typically sue volunteers themselves, so your employee should not expect to deal with a personal legal issue. If you’re concerned for any reason, a third-party Employment Practice Liability Insurance (EPLI) policy is something that would give you extra assurance. There are some exceptions and limitations to your coverage, so give your insurance agent a call before your day of service to make sure you understand your policy.
Your workers compensation policy covers your employees during your Earth Day endeavor. As long as your project takes place on a day they would otherwise be working, they are still within the scope of their employment. This means that if an employee gets injured while your team is out volunteering, workers compensation will cover the claim. As always, there are exclusions and limitations. If the employee clearly acts in an unsafe manner, the injury might not be covered. If the incident is minor, and the employee doesn’t need to miss any work, regular health insurance might be the best option to handle it. When in doubt, always call your agent. We can help you determine the right call to make for the situation.
Planning a Service Project to Improve Your Community
Whether it’s for Earth Day, to mark a big milestone, or just a chance to encourage teamwork, a day of service will leave a lasting impact. No matter how big or small your project is, doing something for your community will generate exponential positivity. Maximize the benefits of your day with a bit of planning. Remember, insurance is the safety net, and it’s always better when you don’t need to use it. Make sure the project is something appropriate for your team members and their physical abilities. Think about some basic training on safe lifting, handling tools, and proper footwear and attire for the day. Consider visiting the project site ahead of time to look for any safety hazards, and to check with the host organization for anything you need to know before you arrive. With just a few safety planning measures, your day is likely to go smoothly.
Before you head out for a service or volunteer project with your team, let’s review your existing policies. The Smyrl Insurance team loves to hear what our clients are doing in their communities. We are all passionate volunteers, both individually and as a group. If you need ideas about any worthwhile causes in the area, we would be more than happy to point you in the right direction based on your interests (and our favorite organizations, of course). We’re here to educate, nurture, and empower local businesses through insurance so that you can accomplish your goals with confidence that your business is protected. Contact us to learn more about how your insurance protects you in the office and out in the community. We are an independent agency, offering commercial liability, property liability, workers compensation, commercial vehicle, and other types of insurance in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout the region in Montgomery County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
