How to Get Employees Engaged in Volunteer Work
Things have changed in the corporate world, as an increasing number of corporations have gotten involved in the nonprofit sector via philanthropy and volunteerism. Today, more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies encourage their employees to volunteer by supporting them in their efforts. When companies of any size begin to volunteer, everyone benefits -- the company gets free publicity, the nonprofit organizations get assistance, the site of the volunteering gains a concentrated effort and the employees have a positive experience.
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Instructions
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Hold volunteer training and volunteer activities locally, so that employees don't need to travel to get involved.
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Maintain excellent communication with any nonprofit organizations your company partners with so that everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, and no one feels uncomfortable.
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Develop work incentives for employees who volunteer, such as bonuses, increased vacation time, more rewarding job responsibilities and explicit encouragement and praise.
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Provide your employees with paid time off when they volunteer.
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Explain the benefits of volunteer work to your employees. Use examples such as increased sense of self-worth and confidence, better sense of belonging at the company, a feeling of doing something worthwhile and important, and the many benefits to the larger community.
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Tips & Warnings
Rewarding employees who volunteer is very different from punishing employees who do not volunteer. Punishment, ranging from verbal disapproval to pay cuts, will likely backfire as it will reduce company rapport, among other things.
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