Have you ever wondered what you could do to make your employees happier? A recent study reported in Science provides the answer.

It should be no surprise that many people are happier when they give to others. The study found that giving to charities increases happiness. You can use this information in your business to increase the feeling of well-being of your employees as well as increasing retention.

The next time you are reviewing your benefits or employee events, consider developing a program that allows employees paid or unpaid time off work to conduct charitable work.

Perhaps a group of employees want to help out at a soup kitchen over the holidays. Or you could be the holding area for program that collects and distributes blankets, clothing, and other goods needed by those in need. Maybe they want to collect and distribute toys for local orphanages. There are unlimited possibilities out there for those really interested.

The best thing you can do is hand the whole thing over to the employees. Have a company meeting where you announce the very basics of this idea. Suggest they form a planning committee and bring you ideas.

Decide what role your company will play. Are you going to allow a certain amount of time off? Will it be paid or unpaid? Or will you commit to a specific amount of financial backing for whatever they want to do? Remember that you need someone from management to oversee the committee just to stay on top of the time and financial commitments allowed by the company.

Start small and let it grow as you see positive results. Make sure the employees know this is something you’re agreeing to … IF they want to do it. If you force participation, you’ve completely lost the value of the benefit.

Employees have become much more particular about the company they choose for their employment. If they care about the environment, they are choosing “green” companies. If they care about giving, they are choosing companies that give. What do you want to be known for … and are you leading by example?