What’s the first image that comes to your mind when you think of someone working in the social sector? Is it that of an underpaid individual struggling to make ends meet but too passionate about her cause to leave her job at the non-profit? Someone whose days are spent shuttling between the slums of the urban space or the remote villages of the country which have no access to clean water or electricity?
While the passion, the hustle, and the desire to make a difference remain the same, people working in the nonprofit sector are no longer considered the scapegoats. Instead, they are now perceived as enthusiastic individuals with the right to lead a good life while simultaneously working for the betterment of society.
Nurture your own so that they can further create a better future for all
Have you watched a relay race? It’s an event where a team of four athletes runs equal predetermined distances in a sprint race, each passing baton to the next person to continue the race. It is important we understand that each of these athletes has their own role to play and each is important in their place.
Now use the same analogy for the social sector. If the employees don’t feel taken care of, how can we expect them to make significant social changes around them? Anuradha Prasad, Founder, and CEO, India Leaders for Social Sector, rightly points out that senior leadership needs to look at the professional growth of individuals working in the social sector to attain their long-term goals.
Here are some ways in which the social sector can support its employees:
- The current times have seen an attempt on the part of the social sector to revisit their people management policies to ensure that they don’t suffer burnout. These people are at forefront of crises like natural disasters, pandemics, genocides, etc. They are expected to stay focused in the midst of all this and perform too. It is essential that companies in the social sector foresee this and make structural and policy changes that shield their employees from compassion fatigue.
- The social sector is known to have a fascinating blend of employees from diverse backgrounds—grassroots, corporate, academic, etc. It is essential that the management considers it important to retain this diversity by being more democratic in their approaches. What might work from someone from the urban spaces might not be suitable for a grassroots level worker in the villages.
- Companies in the social sector can also use various non-financial incentives that not only increase employee engagement but also foster a spirit of having fun and care. This may vary from an unlimited leaves policy, freedom to continue side hustles, or even opportunities to upskill and learn new things.
- The management needs to understand that it is the inherent altruism in their employees that has prompted them to join the social sector. To ensure that they continue to work for society and build a better world, the managers need to step up and be involved at all levels to hone their skills and innate goodness.
The social sector in India employs over 7 million people. To think the kind of impact inclusive policies and empathetic leadership guided by holistic people management practices can make is just mindboggling.
The new generation of employees are looking for a mission and not just money when it comes to their career plans – it is on us to keep them inspired and motivated so that together we can build a better future for all.
We strive each day to build a holistic work environment that not only keeps the enthusiasm and zeal high but also helps us spread happiness to the remote villages of India.
At Donatekart, we’re constantly striving to curate the most relevant and engaging content just for you. If you loved reading this, then millions in India fight for food will grab your attention too.
