Championing Democracy in the Workplace:
How Companies Can Recognize International Day of Democracy
Democracy needs strong leaders, and that includes businesses. With International Day of Democracy on September 15th, companies have a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in fostering civic engagement and reinforcing the pillars of democratic society.
Observed annually since 2007, the United Nations established the International Day of Democracy to promote and uphold the principles of democracy globally. Each year, September 15th serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic processes and the continuous effort required to maintain and strengthen them.
There is no better time to implement proactive, non-partisan strategies to recognize this important day and strengthen democratic participation within their organizations.
The Business Case for Promoting Democratic Engagement
For businesses, recognizing this day is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility; it’s an investment in the stability and prosperity of the markets in which they operate. A strong democracy supports economic growth, fosters innovation, and provides the predictable business environment that corporations need to thrive (Acemoglu & Robinson, 2012).
Data shows that supporting civic participation yields:
- Enhanced Employee Engagement: Employees who feel empowered as citizens are more likely to be engaged at work, with a study by the National Conference on Citizenship finding that civically engaged employees demonstrate higher job satisfaction and productivity.
- Improved Corporate Reputation: Companies that actively support democratic processes are often viewed more favorably by consumers, investors, and potential employees. In fact, a 2021 report by Atlassian indicated that 80% of employees want their companies to take action on social issues.
- Long-term Business Stability: The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators consistently show a positive correlation between the quality of democratic institutions and economic development. Stable democracies provide a more predictable operating environment for businesses.
- Greater Innovation: Engaging in democratic processes can stimulate innovative thinking within your organization. A 2021 study by the nonpartisan business collective The Civic Alliance uncovered that companies with strong civic engagement outperformed the S&P 500 in profitability, growth, and investor appeal. When employees are encouraged to participate in civic life, they often bring fresh perspectives and problem-solving skills back to their work.
- Enhanced Company Culture: Promoting democratic values can also strengthen your company’s culture. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency, fairness, and employee voice – all crucial elements of a positive workplace culture. And the benefits don’t stop there: research from Deloitte shows that mission-driven companies have 40% higher levels of retention over time.
- Attractiveness to Top Talent: A survey by Cone Communications found that 76% of Millennials consider a company’s social commitments when deciding where to work. As Gen Z enters the workforce, demonstrating social responsibility is all the more crucial to compete.
In short: promoting democratic engagement makes good business sense!
Non-Partisan Strategies for Recognizing International Day of Democracy
There are several strategies that companies can implement to recognize the International Day of Democracy.
Launch a “Democracy at Work” Initiative
Launch a company-wide workshop or program on September 15th that emphasizes the importance of civic participation. Programming could focus on providing educational resources focused on the democratic process, information on how to register to vote and update voter registration, or where to find non-partisan guides to local, state, and national elections. For example, Salesforce launched its “Be a Voter” campaign in 2020, providing employees with resources to check their registration status and request mail-in ballots.
Implement a “Time Off to Vote” Policy
Offer paid time off for employees to vote on election days. This can be a full or half day, depending on your company’s capacity. Some companies, such as Coca-Cola, have even declared Election Day a company holiday in past presidential elections. Extend your efforts to empower participation in local elections as well!
Host Democracy Dialogues
Team up with a culture consultant to organize a series of democracy-centered Culture Conversations: non-partisan panel discussions or speaker events featuring experts on democracy, civic engagement, and good governance. These events can be internal or open to the public, positioning your company as a thought leader in this space.
Create a Civic Engagement Resource Hub
Did you know that Patagonia’s employee intranet includes a comprehensive civic engagement section with voting information and resources? Your organization can recognize International Day of Democracy by launching a centralized, easily accessible platform where employees can find information about voting, civic participation, and democratic processes.
Measuring the Impact of Democracy Initiatives — and Navigating Potential Challenges
To ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives and demonstrate their value to stakeholders, it’s crucial to establish metrics for measuring their impact. Consider tracking employee participation rates in voting and civic engagement activities, as this can provide a clear indication of the program’s reach and influence. External recognition and media coverage of your democracy initiatives can further validate their importance and success.
Additionally, examining long-term correlations between civic engagement programs and employee retention or satisfaction can offer insights into the broader benefits of fostering a culture of civic participation within your organization. A culture audit can be a powerful tool for tracking the impact of such programs.
While promoting democratic engagement is generally viewed positively, there are, of course, potential challenges to consider:
- Maintaining Non-Partisanship: It’s crucial to ensure that all initiatives remain strictly non-partisan. Establish clear guidelines and review processes to prevent any appearance of political bias.
- Respecting Employee Privacy: While encouraging civic participation, respect employees’ right to privacy regarding their political views and voting choices.
- Global Considerations: For multinational corporations, be mindful of how democracy initiatives might be perceived in different political contexts. Tailor programs to be culturally appropriate and legally compliant in each operating country.
Building a Culture of Civic Engagement
As corporate leaders, you have the power to make a significant impact on democratic participation. By implementing these strategies, you not only contribute to the strength of democratic institutions but also enhance your company’s reputation, employee engagement, and long-term stability.
The International Day of Democracy on September 15th provides an excellent focal point for launching or reinforcing your company’s commitment to civic engagement. However, the true measure of success will be in creating a sustained culture of democratic participation that extends far beyond a single day.
In an era where the strength of democracies are being tested globally, companies have both the opportunity and the responsibility to stand as beacons of civic engagement. By doing so, you not only contribute to the public good but also secure a more stable, prosperous future for your businesses and employees alike.
