Corporate social responsibility gives a sense of obligation for companies on the various programs not just within the organization but the society as well. Part of carrying out these obligations is to actively participate in community programs and affairs. This is what we call corporate volunteering. Many companies engage in philanthropic activities and aid people in the community while providing the employees an opportunity to benefit from the company in various ways.
An organization contributes to building and making better societies by encouraging the employees to participate in the various community programs through volunteerism. Moreover, it gives the working professionals a chance to share their skills and talents to non-profit organizations and the public in general. Being able to contribute your skills and knowledge to the community is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Corporate volunteering is a cost-effective and short-term participation of businesses and profit-generating organizations to the society. It is also a low-risk and high-impact method of sharing the knowledge, skills, and experiences to the general public while generating understanding and improving employee skills as well as community goodwill. It can be a good opportunity to explore and immerse in the social environment and get to know potential business and non-business partners before embarking on a deeper level.
Ways to Initiate Corporate Volunteering
There can be various ways to initiate a volunteering program. It can start with an employee who decides to volunteer with a non-profit organization and afterwards requests the employer for support and participation. On other ways, the employer may disseminate information regarding available volunteering activities to employees. The non-business sector can also make the first move. Non-profit organizations may announce volunteering opportunities and express intent to corporate businesses with a formal proposal.
A business or a company may establish or generate an employee volunteering program catering to a non-profitable organization. It could also be that management will decide and agree to support a specific community group or organization and encourage employees to contribute as well. Some companies provide pro-bono or free services to one or more groups in the community.
A volunteering program that is initiated by the business must be well-structured, well-planned, and fully supported by the management. There are employees who may not actively participate due to certain factors such as stressful work experiences and issues with time management both at work and the personal life. A properly structured corporate volunteering program will not make it inconvenient for the employees but arouse their interest and willingness to help instead.
Examples of Corporate Volunteering Programs
A company can engage in numerous volunteering programs and activities. A very common and thriving program of NGOs is the environmental program where the main goal is to be environmentally responsible in the current issues such as pollution.
Some businesses get involved in philanthropic programs such as supporting the poor and needy in the community. Supporting or sponsoring a non-profit organization financially and morally is also another example of corporate volunteering.
Another popular employee volunteering activity is the workplace mentoring guide, allowing employees and the youth to enhance and strengthen the relationship focusing on character building and improving the capabilities of the youth.
Advantages of Corporate Volunteering
Corporate volunteering offers many benefits to companies and businesses. It allows a business to develop community partnerships since it provides companies a chance to show their commitment and dedication to help the community in which they function and operate. The participation of employees in the volunteering activities creates a positive attitude to the company and the society. In addition, it instills leadership to employees who take the lead in the volunteering programs.
Another advantage of volunteering is that it builds a committed workforce. Working professionals become more committed to their jobs which increases job satisfaction as well as employee retention.
Corporate volunteering also breaks down social barriers, allowing employees and the public to foster better understanding and exchange ideas regarding the current social issues that they are facing. It does not only develop teamwork within the company but also with the people outside the workplace.
Finally, since volunteering is mutually beneficial to both the business and the community, it promotes new skills and learning to the employees and the society that can help them in their undertakings.
