Why do people choose to work? Do people pick a career mainly for the monetary rewards? At the end of the day does that career bring a sense of job satisfaction? Often the job satisfaction can outweigh perks of bigger profitable businesses. People choose to work for charitable organisations for numerous reasons.
Relaxed Atmosphere
Non-profits usually have a more relaxed working environment. The relaxed environment shifts the pressure away from the employees to the work that must be completed.
- Dress codes are more casual which allows the employees to be comfortable while working.
- Flexible hours are allowed. If a potential employee is looking for a work environment with part-time hours or negotiable days of employment, a non-profit may be able to accommodate the schedule.
- The employees at the non-profit are all working toward a specific or common goal creating a like-minded atmosphere. When employees are all working toward a common goal, team work is vital. Being part of the team can make an employee feel wanted and inspired to do well within non-profit.
No Daily Routine
The work environment may not include a regular day-to-day routine. Be prepared for a flexible work day with numerous changes.
- The employee may have direct work activities that change throughout the week while the needs of the organisation shift from one project to another.
- Employees may experience a “hands on” approach to the work day.
- A part of the ever changing daily routine is the changing in demands of the job. An employee of the non-profit may be required to perform more than one job responsibility. The job description may be vague or non-existent as employees assume different roles to help meet the demands of the day.
Learning Atmosphere
A non-profit can be a learning environment. Employees who assume different roles will learn a variety of job skills. For example, an employee may be working on a new fundraising goal one week; the following week may be focused on event planning. Only to be followed by a week of direct work such as feeding the homeless or cleaning up trash along a stretch a road.
An employee who can develop and work throughout all these different types of conditions will be able to gain more responsibilities within the non-profit including management or leadership roles. Depending on the size of the non-profit, an employee could move from one organisation to the next as a way to gain a higher authority.
Perks
Numerous people do not consider a career in a non-profit; the pay can be lower than other big companies or government agencies. The perks can often make up for this difference in pay.
- Most non-profits offer a comprehensive health care plan which can expand to family coverage. Having quality health insurance will balance the lower rate of pay.
- Retirement plans are offered.
- Flexible hours and vacation time may be easier to obtain. Smaller agencies work well in getting the employees the time and days off needed for family trips or other commitments.
The main perk of a non-profit is job satisfaction. Employees who go into an employment for a non-profit can often view positive outcomes for the work being done within a short period of time. An employee does not have to wait for an annual review or appraisal from management; the feedback is instant through the work. Non-profits often work with recruiters to find new employees who are looking for a career that gives job satisfaction.
Author Credit: Flow Caritas is a recruiter which helps connect potential employees who are looking for more than a pay check.
