When you think of charitable acts from a business standpoint, you likely consider monetary donations and/or donated products and services. Though these kind acts have a major impact on worth causes, charities, and non-profit organizations, there are other ways in which businesses can give back. Corporate volunteer programs, for instance, can provide potentially greater value for local charities and businesses.
When established effectively, volunteer programs within the workplace allow employees the chance to improve their skills, broaden networks, boost morale, and find new purpose in their careers. For charities and non-profits, the benefit is in gaining hands-on assistance from businesses in the community, while business owners reap the benefits of increased employee engagement, retention, and a whole lot more.
CrestFinancial.com, one of the leading “no credit needed” leasing company frequently participates in volunteer opportunities. “Volunteering makes employees happier and that goes a long way” says the CEO of Crest Financial Bob Millerberg. They implemented corporate volunteer programs almost a decade ago with activities that include annual food drives. From Bob’s experience, implementing such a program helps break up the monotony within a given day.
Benefits of a Volunteer Program
With companies such as Crest Financial making major impacts through volunteer programs, it’s no wonder other businesses are adapting this process within their working environment. Below is a closer look at some of the benefits that can be gained from developing a corporate volunteer program:
- Recognition – Employee volunteer programs provide organizations with the opportunity to do more within the community. By developing closer relationships within their surrounding community, it can work to improving brand recognition.
- Improved Morale – Studies have determined that employees who are allowed to participate in corporate sponsored volunteer programs feel more positively about their employers. In fact, 64 percent of employees who have participated in volunteer programs say that they think more favorable of their employer.
- Strengthens Teams – Teamwork and collaboration are a large part of productivity in the workplace. Volunteer activities that require staff to work together for a greater cause often allows employees to expand on their teambuilding skills. In an atmosphere where the objective is to help others and not necessarily meet a deadline, employees feel less pressure and thus more inclined to pitch in and work together as a team.
- Improved Retention Rates – Any employer knows the importance of keeping a highly qualified staff on board. Adding a volunteer program to the agenda could actually be the very thing to keep your star employees on the payroll. Employees who are able to volunteer ultimately get to experience the emotional reward of giving back. When an employee feels like their jobs hold a greater purpose, they are more inclined to stay on board.
- Attract New Employees – A survey was conducted on job seekers between the ages of 18 and 26. As it turns out, 62 percent of job seekers would prefer to work for a company that has volunteer programs in place.
You may not have thought that allowing your staff to volunteer within the community would have such a major impact – but it does. Not only does it help those in need by giving back to their cause, but it does a lot for your brand as a whole. Volunteer programs give employees a platform to be hands-on within the community, and allws them to feel great while they’re doing it. If you’re thinking of incorporating such a program within your organization, be sure to research the best practices so that you establish a program that will work best for your business and the community as a whole.