Studies show that employees that take part in volunteer work are more than 70% more likely to stay motivated at work as compared to happy hours. In other words, encouraging your employees to volunteer might help boost their productivity, reduce turnover, and improve your brand perception significantly. This is one of the reasons why many companies across the globe have taken to sponsoring charities. This not only makes it possible to help those in need but is also beneficial to the company as well.
In the modern world, volunteerism is to an extent, a corporate social responsibility. Volunteerism has proven to improve employee engagement and satisfaction, which again strengthens the brand identity. These are, but some of the reasons why every business should consider promoting volunteering. Allowing and enabling employees to volunteer at different events or charity organizations makes it possible for employees to strengthen their relationships, and skillset, as well as create a positive workplace environment.
Volunteering however seems to have taken a dramatic change considering the past few events with many people having to work remotely or from home. There are however plenty of ways companies and everyone can serve their communities. Outlined below are good examples and ways businesses too can take part in corporate volunteer programs, and their benefits.
Salesforce and Autodesk, for example, have sponsored thousands of programs worth millions of hours and dollars. Here are some of the reasons and ways businesses can benefit from corporate volunteer programs like the twilight runway challenge.
Boost Employee Moral and Strengthen Your Brand
Taking part in various charitable events and sponsoring some, goes a long way in building new connections and expanding your network. Employees too get to hone their skills, making them better at what they do. Simply sponsoring the events shows you indeed care for them, giving them a reason to want to be recognized with your brand. Organizations that support charities also get recognition for the cause, giving them a reason to take pride in their accomplishments. According to research, allowing employees to take part in volunteer programs boosts their overall well-being by up to 77%. This improves their self-awareness and productivity.
Attract And Retain Talent
More than 25% of working individuals in America invest their time and energy volunteering in various communities. Some of the best brains on the job market find volunteer work fulfilling and rewarding, making such communities a hub for rich talent. Socially responsible companies fish talent from these events too. With the volunteers already capable of getting work done unsupervised, most employers find them more attractive compared to those that don’t volunteer. Any company that funds these volunteer programs is thus guaranteed to attract and even retain top talent.
Volunteerism Improved Employee Engagement
Volunteer work is all about giving back to the community. This attribute alone inspires many employees, motivates them, and even helps them engage better while at work. This is according to a study published in 2019 on corporate volunteering. Improved employee engagement is beneficial to the company in that, their productivity is higher, hence more profits. According to research, active and engaged employees can contribute up to 17% to customer satisfaction and sales, hence better reviews overall.
A Healthier Workforce
Engaging in productive activities unrelated to your work is known to improve a person’s well-being and mental health. Numerous studies have also linked volunteerism to reduced depression and mental issues among participants as well. Stress, depression, and burnout can have a significant impact on your employees, and could take a toll on your brand as well. Supporting volunteer programs and encouraging your employees to take part in the same, can help boost their morale as well as improve their overall health. This will, in return, translate to lower absenteeism and a more productive workforce in the long run. Physically active employees are considerably less susceptible to cardiovascular and other health conditions compared to those that lead a sedentary lifestyle.