The best nonprofits to work for exhibit similar characteristics -- the same ones that people look for when they decide to find a nonprofit job. These are the core qualities of great nonprofit organizations.
The NonProfit Times publishes an annual list of the 50 Best Nonprofits to Work For, and Opportunity Knocks publishes an annual list of those nonprofits that garnered its Best Nonprofit to Work For Awards.
Looking through both lists and the accompanying reports I found some key characteristics of those nonprofits that ranked high. I've compiled a list of the qualities that the employees of these nonprofits value about their organizations, and a list of the employee benefits that are cited most often. It is clear to me that these nonprofits are examples of the best workplace environments.
How Great Nonprofits Make Work Meaningful and Fun for Their Employees
- Open and transparent; strong and focused corporate culture.
- Employees have confidence in the leadership of their organizations.
- Employees believe that they have enough authority to do their job,s and that they have a stake in their work.
- Foster a sense of mutual respect.
- Build a sense of community and family among staff.
- Help employees experience the joy in helping others.
- Communicate how each employee's contribution makes the work of the organization possible.
- Provide opportunities to relax and socialize. Examples include retreats, potluck dinners, recognition awards, holiday parties, athletic tournaments.
- Make the work environment competitive yet fun.
- Foster work/family balance and make employees feels cared for.
- Environment results in employees willing to give extra effort to help the organization succeed.
- Environment has a distinct personality or spirit that invigorates employees.
- Encourage new ideas, solicit ideas, reward ideas.
- An emphasis on learning.
Typical Benefits to Employees Who Work at Great Nonprofits
- A sabbatical system.
- Dental plans
- Retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b).
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Onsite fitness facilities or help with memberships at outside facilities; on site weight loss classes; walking clubs; free blood screenings and flu shots.
- Healthcare insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Flexible scheduling of work hours; opportunities to work from home; carpooling services.
- Family care time off.
- In-house hiring and promotions.
- Short and long-term disability programs.
- Generous vacation time.
- Bonuses that can be added to salary or used for professional resources.
Check out the lists of best nonprofits to work for. Some might be in your area. Even if they are not, the attributes that make these nonprofits attractive can serve as a template for evaluating any nonprofit that you might consider as a future employer.
Related:
