When it comes to giving back, there is no time like the present. April is National Volunteer Month, a timely justification for Rhode Island employers to make an impact in the local community. Employee volunteer programs are proven to drive team building and foster collaboration, both facets of the workplace essential to reinforcing company culture. Businesses of all sizes can adopt successful employee volunteer programs. However, organizing corporate volunteering presents challenges in the current climate. Fortunately, online and outdoor activities are great opportunities to make a difference while keeping employees safe.
Go online or get outside. Business owners should first consider the type of volunteer activities that are viable for their team. If employees are comfortable gathering outdoors, environmental cleanups organized to commemorate Earth Day on April 22 are an option. Cleaning up a neighborhood park or teaming with the local government for a tree planting can make a difference. It is also important to explore volunteer options for employees who may not be able to gather outdoors. In this scenario, employers can participate in online tutoring programs for kids or host a virtual food drive for families in need.
Align volunteer programs with company values. Rhode Island employers who plan immediate or long-term volunteer programs should consider focusing on causes that align with company values. Workplace culture is directly impacted by corporate values, especially as younger generations prioritize employers’ social impacts. For example, technology companies sometimes lend their expertise to teach coding skills or help nonprofit organizations struggling with the digital transformation. Business leaders should look beyond initial ideas to contemplate how the social impacts of volunteer efforts map back to their core mission and values.
Building culture through corporate volunteering starts at the top.
Offer paid volunteer time off. Another option for business owners to consider is expanding employee benefits to include paid volunteer time off, or VTO. Employees with paid volunteer time off may be more likely to participate in charitable efforts, whether with the organization or individually. The process of reporting VTO also helps capture data that can offer valuable insights and trends surrounding the organization’s social impact.
Lead by example. It is essential that management lead by example. Building culture through corporate volunteering starts at the top. Company leadership should be active and visible as employees roll up their sleeves to do good. When leadership takes part in volunteer programs, the relaxed atmosphere can help them be more accessible while breaking down barriers between management and staff.
Executive participation lends credibility to corporate volunteering efforts. Employers also should consider establishing a volunteer council to spread internal awareness of volunteer opportunities. It is vital that senior leadership be counted among the council members.
Recognize individual employees. It is common for successful corporate volunteering programs to recognize employees. Individual workers who go above and beyond are the foundation of most volunteer programs. Such recognition can reinforce participation and motivate other employees to become more involved.
The economic recovery may already be underway, but there are still many people in need because of the pandemic. National Volunteer Month and Earth Day are immediate options for organized volunteer programs. Rhode Island business leaders should keep a charitable mindset year-round as the local community recovers. After all, every day is a good day to do good.
Eric Cormier is a manager of human resources services in Rhode Island for Texas-based Insperity Inc., which provides human resources and administrative services.
