A recent survey shared that across generations, about three in five Canadian employees indicate that they value company culture very much – 56 per cent of Gen Z, 60.7 per cent of Millennials, 67.9 per cent of Gen X and 65 per cent of Baby Boomers.
In today’s environment, we see that company culture is no longer focused on ping pong tables or team happy hours. There is a marked shift in creating a company culture that is mission driven and makes an impact beyond the four walls of the office.
So how can companies create a healthy, positive mission-driven company culture?
For all-in-one restaurant management system TouchBistro, it created a thriving culture through charitable giving. Most recently, they donated time and funds to Canada’s largest food charity, Second Harvest. We spoke with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, about how the company has woven charitable giving into the fabric of its company culture.
Why did TouchBistro choose to donate to Second Harvest and organize a volunteer day?
JdF: This year, TouchBistro celebrated its 13th anniversary, and we wanted to commemorate it through giving back to the communities that have helped us grow to where we are today. We did a call out to our customers to nominate non-profits and charities across North America that are dedicated to industry-related causes for us to give back to, and ultimately one charity in the U.S. and Second Harvest here in Canada were chosen.
TouchBistro chose to support Second Harvest and organize a volunteer day because as a company that serves the restaurant industry, we believe in addressing food insecurity in the communities we serve. Second Harvest’s mission to rescue surplus food and provide it to those in need aligns with our values of making a positive impact and supporting sustainable food systems. By partnering with them, we’re able to give back, mobilize our team, and contribute meaningfully to reducing hunger in our area.
Can you share more about TouchBistro’s company culture, and how this initiative fit into your philosophy?
JdF: At TouchBistro, our culture is rooted in community, collaboration, and meaningful impact. We offer paid volunteer days to empower our team to give back and support causes that matter to them. Partnering with Second Harvest aligns perfectly with this philosophy, allowing us to address food insecurity while fostering teamwork and shared purpose among our employees. This initiative reflects our commitment to both our team and the communities we serve.
We also ensure that opportunities to give back are integrated throughout the year. Leading up to the holidays, TouchBistro always holds an annual Holiday Food Drive. This year, it will benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank, a Canadian charity aimed at eliminating food insecurity and advocating for solutions to end poverty.
How do you encourage employees to engage and build up culture in the workplace?
JdF: We encourage employees to engage and build culture by creating spaces for real connection and collaboration. This includes everything from team-building activities tailored to our team’s interests to volunteer days that let us give back together. We also prioritize recognizing individual contributions, whether through shoutouts in meetings and our “kudos” slack channel, or our quarterly or annual appreciation awards. Our goal is to make everyone feel valued and actively part of shaping the culture, and we invite team members to bring their own ideas for how we can keep improving.
For other companies that want to start charitable initiatives and give back to the community, how do you recommend they start?
JdF: For companies looking to start charitable initiatives, begin by identifying causes that align with your values and resonate with your team. Start small—whether it’s a volunteer day, a donation drive, or a partnership with a local organization. Engage employees in the decision-making process to build shared purpose, and focus on creating lasting, meaningful impact in areas where you can make a real difference. Let your employees lead the way – they will make you proud every time.
If you could give one piece of advice to other leaders on creating a positive company culture, what would it be?
JdF: One key piece of advice for building a positive company culture is authenticity. Identify what makes you and your team unique, and lean into those qualities with intention. When leaders are genuine and transparent, it fosters trust, inspires passion, and empowers everyone to bring their true selves to work. Authenticity creates a culture where people feel valued and motivated, driving both personal and collective success.