Volunteering: why this is so important for B2B
As part of National Volunteer Week 20-26 May, I was asked to share what volunteering means to me.
To be honest - it means so much. I love using my skills, passion, compassion and altruistic qualities to give back. It gives me a sense of purpose and I love that I can make a difference to my local community.
When I was an employee, I was fortunate to oversee volunteering as part of my role with Mission Australia. It was amazing to see the impact it made on employees and the Mission Australia community when Business Units came together to deliver meaningful work.
It is widely accepted that customers prefer social and environmentally conscious brands, so an employee volunteering program is a great extension of this.
These programs usually involve staff taking one or two days per year (paid volunteer leave) to volunteer as a group or individually to support the organisations chosen charities which are funded by the employer.
Employee volunteer programs have proven that:
Company reputation and public trust improves
It leads to a healthier, happier workforce
It Boosts employee morale
Employees are five times more engaged
Staff turnover is reduced
From my experience the key to success when creating a workplace volunteer program within your business is to provide a range of options that employees can support as not all employees will want to get behind the same cause or participate in the same activities. I recommend choosing between a range of organisations to support i.e. environmental, youth or children's programs and the vulnerable as a start. Also look at any additional volunteering programs and opportunities they offer such as fundraising events, hands on activities and skilled volunteering to cater to your employee interests and skills.
One of the most successful workplace volunteering programs is run by JB HIFI known as "Helping Hands."
Here are some of the reasons it's been so successful:
JB Hi-Fi's leadership, including the CEO, actively promotes and participates in volunteering activities, setting an example for employees to follow.
The company offers a diverse range of volunteering opportunities catering to different employee interests and skills.
Their volunteering opportunities are well-integrated with their workplace giving program, allowing employees to directly engage with the charity partners they donate to.
If you are looking to create an employee volunteer program in your business, follow these steps:
Assess community needs and employee interests - identify needs in your local communities and engage your employees by conducting a simple audit to understand their volunteering interests and who they wish to and currently support.
Align program goals with business objectives - The volunteering programs goals should complement your company's missions and values and where your company's operations are to maximise maximum impact.
Discuss with your CEO and leadership team - Their support to your charity partners and volunteering programs. This is crucial for success - you must have their buy in.
Discuss with your marketing / PR team - It is so important that you publicise your efforts
Quantify success metrics - This is so important to share your volunteer hours, funds raised and partners you have provided support to with all of your key stakeholders.
Need help to start your corporate volunteering program - Book a call.