Business Connections for Fall 2016

6 / 8

6 FALL 2016
According to a website that helps
match volunteers with needs in their communities, com-
panies of all sizes may enjoy key advantages including:
• Improved morale and team-building. When com-
pany teams work together on a volunteer project outside
the office, they forge stronger relationships with each
other and feel good about doing something meaningful.
• Ongoing learning. Many volunteers pick up new
skills they might not have learned in their normal work
environment.
• A broader customer base. Studies have shown that
the majority of young Americans aged 13 to 25 trust a
company more if it is socially and/or environmentally
responsible. Likewise, they will pay more attention to a
company’s message if they find that the company is com-
mitted to a cause.
If you’ve considered giving your employees time to do
volunteer work, here are suggestions for getting started:
• Assess employee interests, business objectives,
and community needs. Visit or
to find local opportunities for volunteers.
Then look for opportunities that align with your business
goals—whether that includes increasing employee morale
and retention or enhancing your reputation in the local
marketplace.
• Pick a project. Most likely, you’ll find it best to focus on
a project that will take advantage of the very services and
products you provide for your customers. For instance,
a landscaper may choose to create a garden area at a local
school. Or, a construction team could offer time and supplies
to renovate a local shelter.
• Set a schedule. How much time you commit is up to
you. You may want to offer each employee one or two
hours a week to work on the project, or allocate one full
week a year on a large group commitment. Choose a
schedule that is practical for you and helps you achieve
your goals.
• Track your progress. Just like a sales goal, it’s impor-
tant to make sure that your volunteer efforts are paying
off. Your own success could be measured by anything
from improved employee attitudes to increased public-
ity for your team and those you’re helping. Remember to
let others know about ways you’re making a difference.
You could find yourself with a growing pool of potential
workers, not to mention a happier, healthier workplace.
Lend a hand to help your
community and your business
Corporate
Volunteerism
Pays Off
Recent studies have shown that individuals enjoy improved physical and mental health when they
volunteer time for a good cause, most likely as a result of a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
But can corporate volunteerism have a positive impact on the health of your business as well?