Cencora Mission, Purpose & Impact

Describe how Cencora gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves?

At Cencora, we are dedicated to creating a meaningful impact on the world around us. Through the Cencora Impact Foundation, we improve the health and well-being of patient populations, both human and animal, by partnering with organizations to expand access to healthcare around the world. And as a part of our commitment to corporate responsibility, all full-time team members in the United States and Canada are provided with eight hours of paid volunteer time off. This empowers our employees to actively support organizations that hold significance for them, fostering a culture of giving back and community engagement within our workforce.

Additionally, our myCommunityImpact program plays a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of our team members’ philanthropic endeavors. By matching charitable donations and providing grants for volunteering and service on nonprofit boards, we ensure that their contributions have a greater reach and influence, further benefiting the causes they care about deeply. These programs exemplify our purpose in action, serving as a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients globally.

How do these community outreach efforts bolster Cencora’s mission and/or culture?

Cencora’s community impact initiatives play a vital role in creating a culture of connection among our team members, uniting them in a shared purpose of giving back and making a difference. Annually, we provide opportunities for our team members to amplify their impact through various initiatives. For instance, our Month of Impact program allows team members to volunteer together, promoting teamwork and community engagement. Additionally, our Season of Giving initiative enhances the impact of charitable donations by offering a special increased match, encouraging generosity and philanthropy among our employees.

By engaging in these community outreach programs, our team members not only contribute to the greater good but also strengthen our company’s mission of making a positive difference in the world. These efforts not only benefit the communities we serve but also cultivate a sense of unity, purpose and shared values within our organization.

What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at Cencora?

When implementing a volunteer program, it is crucial to customize the program to align with the existing organizational culture and cater to the diverse employee segments within the company. Understanding how team members can actively engage in volunteer activities is fundamental for the success of the program. 

To enhance participation, consider providing virtual volunteer opportunities that are accessible from any location. This strategy is particularly effective for engaging remote team members who may not be physically present in the office. Furthermore, organizing on-site volunteer projects offers frontline team members who may not have regular computer access the chance to contribute meaningfully. Additionally, offering paid volunteer time off enables team members to give back in their local communities. By offering a variety of volunteer projects that cater to specific employee segments, organizations can establish a more inclusive and engaging volunteer program that resonates with their workforce. This approach not only maximizes impact internally but also extends the benefits to the communities where they live and work.