This fall, as you host your workplace United Way campaign, we invite you to explore the opportunity of team building through a group volunteer project or share our Skills Link network with your employees!
What are the benefits of an employee volunteer program? (From the Submittable Blog, https://blog.submittable.com/corporate-volunteerism/)
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Research shows that employee volunteerism is a worthwhile investment for most businesses. The benefits of employee volunteer programs include improved employee satisfaction, increased brand reputation, more effective talent recruitment, and much more.
All of which are great benefits, but it's important to note that they're all a result of the end goal of corporate volunteerism: helping people in need. A corporate volunteer program is not a box to check. It's a commitment to a deeper purpose. Out of that purpose comes the following benefits.
Improved employee health and well-being.
According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, volunteering improves self-reported employee health and "higher levels of engagement and satisfaction" in their jobs.
Increased employee engagement.
Studies show employees feel pride when their employers offer volunteer opportunities, regardless of whether they participate. A 2021 study revealed that 96% of companies say employees who volunteer are more engaged.
Improved morale and perception of the working environment.
According to a Deloitte survey, more than 70% of surveyed employees say volunteering boosts enthusiasm more than happy hours. And 89% think organizations that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better working environment.
Enriched professional development opportunities.
HR professionals agree that volunteering improves employees' skills, and 80% say active volunteers get promoted faster.
Improved brand reputation and trust.
According to research on community engagement, building long-term community relationships is vital in developing trust. Likewise, 94% of consumers say it's essential that the companies they engage with have a strong purpose.
Increased sustainable revenue.
According to a Gallup poll, companies with high employee engagement are 18% more productive and 23% more profitable.
Higher employee retention.
A survey found that 83% of respondents (up from the 70% U.S. average) would be more loyal to an organization that supports social and environmental causes. Gallup's survey also found that companies with engaged employees have up to a 43% lower turnover rate.
So what can you do?
Use volunteerism as an opportunity for employees to bond and to demonstrate leadership skills outside of their job position.
- Make volunteering fun and rewarding. Provide breakfast and/or lunch to employees participating in a team volunteer project; encourage employees to wear company t-shirts when they volunteer; ask participants to share their experience at a staff meeting afterwards; provide a fun certificate for hours spent volunteering; and, don't forget to take a team selfie for your organization's social media page!
- Set aside a morning or afternoon and invite employees to join a volunteer project at a United Way partner agency or school. And, then promote, promote, promote to get your employees engaged and enthusiastic.
- Browse the volunteer needs on this site for inspiration or complete the "Request a Group Volunteer Project" form on this site to find a project that meets your team's schedule, interests and needs.
- Consider a mix of set volunteer dates/projects for employees to select throughout the year while also providing an additional flexible day for volunteering by implementing VTO (Volunteer-Time-Off). By providing your workers the opportunity to dedicate a full-day or half-day to volunteer for something of interest to them, you will encourage them to be more involved in the community.
- Do you have employees who already volunteer regularly? Ask your employees to share their experiences and passions with the team as a point of inspiration and collaboration.
For more resources and information, contact:
Gina Edwards, CVA
VP Marketing and Community Engagement
Heart of Illinois United Way | gina.edwards@local.unitedway.org
