Author: Caitlin O’Brien from Universal Giving
When corporate responsibility programs adopt employee volunteerism, the effect can improve employee engagement and working efficiency. Today, there are several popular formats that are commonly followed by companies. Here’s a rundown of five of the most commonly adopted volunteer initiatives:
- Local Partnerships: Ongoing partnerships with an organization gives a sense of continuity to employee volunteer efforts and are great opportunities for team building. Whether it’s a weekly commitment to mentoring students in local schools or quarterly events serving at local food banks or animal shelters, these types of projects encourage a sense of community engagement.
- Remote Volunteer Opportunities: Facilitating one-on-one partnerships with organizations that need expert volunteers gives employees an opportunity to apply their high-level skills to new situations and mentor others.
- Day of Service: Office-wide or company-wide “Days of Service” enable corporate teams to dedicate a specific working day to service projects in their community.
- International ‘Experteering’ Trip: Sending a team to a foreign country to bring their skills to an organization or cause can be an immensely rewarding and eye-opening experience. Participants have reported returning with stronger leadership and teamwork skills, as well as having acquired a new perspective, which has lasting effects even after the return home.
- Annual Service Hours: With paid volunteer time off, employees can schedule time during the year to volunteer for the organizations they care about. Additionally, some companies make donations to organizations on behalf of employees who contribute a significant amount of time volunteering.