Georgia CEOs are moving the needle — in profits and generosity

96% of Georgia workers believe it's important that their employer is not just good, but generous.

In other words: Business generosity has become critical for retention and employee satisfaction in Georgia.

The proof: goBeyondProfit's annual Business Generosity Report revealed tangible consequences to the bottom line for businesses lacking generosity.

• 51% of Georgia's employed adults have already left a job because of insufficient generosity toward employees — with 28% leaving due to a lack of generosity in the local community.
• Plus, business generosity motivates their actions as consumers.

The solution: Investing in what employees truly value is the key to increased retention, productivity and employee satisfaction.

According to the report, what matters most to employees includes…

• Employee care: From flexible work schedules to expanded mental and maternal health benefits, employees value increased investment in their well-being.
• Community investments: Offering PTO for volunteering and financial contributions to causes they believe in.
• Generous business operations: Increasingly, internal practices like pay equity, purpose and sustainable product sourcing are topping the list of employee priorities.

Some examples: Learn how Georgia business leaders implement generosity across their businesses.

fab'rik

Dana Spinola, founder and CEO of fab'rik, built completely free boutiques inside safe houses and homeless shelters so women in crisis can get a one-of-a-kind experience to help restore their strength, dignity and hope.

• "When you're a founder and a CEO, you don't have to change your business model. You just find a purpose that fits perfectly into your racks and inspires your team," Spinola says.

🎤 Check out Dana Spinola's interview.

The Home Depot

A pioneer in corporate philanthropy and co-founder of The Home Depot, Bernie Marcus recalls two store managers who risked their lives responding to a local disaster.

As a result of their heroism, The Home Depot became a steadfast partner to first responders.

• "I'm telling you this is good for your business. This will help productivity and turnover, and this has a big effect on your bottom line. And those of you who don't give, don't get it yet. Try it and you'll get it," says Marcus.

🎤 Check out Bernie Marcus' interview.

Gas South

Through its mission to "Be A Fuel For Good," Gas South has consistently raised the bar on business generosity. Its pledge as a young company to donate 5% of annual profits to youth organizations has reached $4.5 million in donations in 2024, according to CEO Kevin Greiner.

• "Being a generous company is truly multifaceted," explains Greiner. "Our employees love it because they feel like they have a sense of purpose coming to Gas South. Our customers see us as a company that really leans into the community, which leads to a level of loyalty that is uncommon in our industry."

🎤 Check out Kevin Greiner's interview.

Jackson Healthcare

Shane Jackson, president of Jackson Healthcare, explains the importance of personal purpose and what role a business can play in that journey for each and every employee.

• "A business can, and should, provide a sense of purpose that aligns teams toward shared goals and meaningful work. But an organization can't create personal purpose, that's an intrinsic thing," Jackson explained.

"At Jackson Healthcare, we invite every single person to determine if there's alignment between their personal values, our company values and how we run the business. We want them to decide if they can experience a purposeful life here."

🎤 Check out Shane Jackson's interview.

The takeaway: goBeyondProfit offers the latest research and access to a community of like-minded executives operating generous businesses.

Plus, there's no cost to join.