The Value In Corporate Volunteering

“Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference” – Denzel Washington With an ever-growing need for change in our society; volunteering is one of many ways in which your business can make a collective difference. For some, corporate volunteering may be an afterthought, research however shows that programs hold great value for a business. While the thought of volunteering may be encouraging and exciting, it is important to do all the necessary research beforehand. The program should ultimately align with what you represent or what you and your employees are most passionate about. This will also help you determine whether you wish to join an existing volunteering program or whether you wish to establish and implement a new one altogether. 1. Promotes personal growth The most valuable asset of a business are its employees and fostering personal growth within a work environment is beneficial to both your employees and your business. Volunteering allows them to learn new skills, develop personally, and will further enhance their growth, as both an individual and an employee. 2. Allows Employee Engagement While a 9-5 job has employees spending most of their time to together, they rarely have a chance to connect on a more personal level. Volunteering grants them an opportunity to get to know one another. Having an understanding of who your employees and colleagues are will improve work relationships. 3. Make a difference in society The efforts invested in volunteering makes a difference to the lives of those we do it for and extends beyond meeting an immediate need or issue. These initiatives also serve as a way to pave a brighter future for those we do it for. And it may be the steppingstone to help an employee recognise their purpose or passion. 4. Attracts Potential Employees The primary goal of volunteering is and should be to make a difference, you may however find yourself crossing paths with talent you need within your business. An employment opportunity in itself indicates that you recognise the importance of corporate social responsibility and aim to make a difference. Volunteering looks different for every business; some have volunteering partnerships with specific organisations, while others plug into different opportunities. Some do it on a regular basis while others dedicate a specific time of year to volunteering. Regardless of how you choose to structure your volunteering program, having a functional program in place that allows employees to make a difference is what matters. It is not only a rewarding experience for employees, it also benefits your business on a cultural level. And furthermore, brings value to your community and society as a whole.