10 things I know about... Encouraging volunteerism
Kola A. Akindele is senior director for community and government relations at UMass Medical School in Worcester. Reach him at Kolawole.Akindele@umassmed.edu.
10. Improves your community
A thriving community is good for business and strong civic engagement contributes to the vibrancy and success of that community.
9. Builds brand awareness
Employees in the community, volunteering with the corporate logo on their backs, create positive brand perception and exposure.
8. Source of employee satisfaction and loyalty
Volunteering fulfills our intrinsic desire to serve, so companies encouraging volunteerism enjoy increased employee satisfaction and retention.
7. Recruitment of younger workers
Millennials want more than a paycheck; studies have shown many are willing to forego a percentage of their salary to work for a socially responsible company.
6. Team building
Volunteer projects help develop camaraderie, improve communication and potentially break down silos, ultimately resulting in good working relationships.
5. Healthy employees
Various studies cite the positive effect of volunteerism on one's physical and mental health. It can help employees stay fit, reduce stress, and prevent depression.
4. Learn new skills.
Volunteer work such as board membership can help build or enhance professional and leadership skills transferrable to the workplace.
3. Impacts bottom line
The end result of the benefits listed above is a more engaged employee base, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.
2. Enhances corporate reputation
Having a strong presence in the community through volunteerism demonstrates an organization is a good neighbor and its priorities extend beyond economic self-interest.
1. Makes a difference
The most important reason to encourage volunteerism is the difference it makes in the lives of individuals and families.
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