The economic downfall that has been so prevalent and abundant in the past year or so, has claimed the economic lives of countless small businesses, large organizations, and everyone in between. Everything operated and functioning in-and-around money has felt the impact of the decline in profits around the world, which means every business-organizations whose primary intent is to generate income-has receded in relevance, because people are less likely to spend, period.
With everyone so cognizant of the widespread economic problems, it’s no surprise tons of non-profit organizations have felt the detrimental effects just as deeply as the huge corporations. In fact, non-profits have taken even larger hits because their primary source of income, the generosity of others, lessens when economic problems appear. When the economy is in trouble, people save more money for precautionary measures, and give less money, also as a precaution. Altruism is already hard enough to find in the general population when conditions are relatively stable and prosperous, but in a downturned economy, altruism becomes altogether a rarity. It seems to only seep from those who’ve kept a decent amount of wealth.
Fund raisers are common events in which non-profits participate, and have proven effective in the past. Nowadays, however, with more people eluding any events that may mandate a certain monetary donation, fund-raisers have become far less efficient. Actually, most traditional methods of enticing citizens to give to charities have become less powerful, simply because the “giving” aspect is not something in which people are readily willing to partake.
This means nonprofits must shift their approach to generating and retaining income, as well as maintaining a successful business. One shift that can prove successful is to redirect your focus from outward objectives (getting people to donate), to managing inward objectives (optimizing office efficiency). Offices with poor operational conditions will run into more problems, and naturally produce less work, resulting in sub-par results. Those kinds of offices frequently witness the low retention rates abundant within the nonprofit sector. Yet those retention rates can be increased by accurately evaluating potential hires, making sure they’ll fit well with whatever role they are given, before making them a part of your team.
That evaluation must have another dimension to it that will increase its chances of being an accurate analysis of the candidate: open communication between departments within the business. If everyone has a common objective, and that common objective can be imparted upon a future employee, the employee will likely be a natural fit in his position. But if the Human Resources department, for example, remains autonomous and doesn’t consult the department to which a possible candidate may be assigned, that candidate could disrupt that department’s performance. Open communication is vital to maintaining an effective work environment.
Another critical dimension of well-run businesses is the recognition that happier employees make better employees. However, many workers can become understandably frustrated when pressing matters outside the workplace are hounding them from the minute they walk in the door. He has to pick up the kids after basketball practice, then race home and fix dinner, then get some more work done later in the evening. New mothers may have children who need to be watched over all day, and don’t have the savings to pay for a nanny. In that case, a viable option would be to allow telecommunication to facilitate the output of said employee. Let them work at home if they can. They’ll be far more likely to remain at the organization when the organization proves it values its employees’ lives.
Another vital measure is something which Sharon Mikrut writes about on ezinearticles.com, and that is supporting a positive “culture” within an organization (or “vibe” if you’re younger). People who enjoy their workplace are far less likely to participate in the rampant turnover seen in nonprofit corporations, especially in the first year or so. Put up “Hang In There” signs with the cute kitty; they may be undeniably and excruciatingly cheesy, but they will make people laugh, even if only on the inside.
Overall, the non-profit business sector will still encounter difficulty trying to efficiently run their operations during this tough economic climate. The basis of their income, altruism, grows and shrinks depending on economic conditions in the overall population. But proven, successful methods still exist that allow these businesses to prosper; it just takes analysis and dedication.
Clair Shortstage loves writing. Whether she’s writing about 4 mil poly bags or small ziplock bags, you can rest assure that she’ll do it with passion and insight. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with her two dogs and husband in Plano, Texas
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