Providing employees with time off to volunteer can have numerous benefits for both the employees and the organisation. Here are some good reasons to give employees time off to volunteer:
- Employee engagement and satisfaction: Supporting volunteer activities demonstrates that the organisation cares about social causes and encourages employees to engage in meaningful work outside their regular job. This can increase employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to higher morale, better productivity and good staff retention.
- Skill development: Volunteering often involves tasks that require teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and communication skills. By participating in volunteer work, employees can develop and enhance these skills, which can be valuable in their professional roles.
- Personal growth and well-being: Volunteering provides individuals with a sense of purpose, fulfilment and personal satisfaction. Taking time off to volunteer allows employees to invest in their personal growth, well-being and mental health, leading to increased job satisfaction and decreased burnout.
- Building a positive brand image: When employees are encouraged to volunteer, it reflects positively on the organisation’s culture and values. It showcases the organisation’s commitment to social responsibility, community involvement, and making a positive impact, which can enhance the organisation’s reputation and attract top talent.
- Strengthening community relationships: Volunteer activities often involve collaborating with local charities,, community organisations or social causes. By allowing employees to volunteer, organisations can strengthen their ties with the community, foster positive relationships and contribute to the betterment of society.
- Team building and collaboration: Volunteering as a team can promote camaraderie, encourage collaboration and improve teamwork skills. Employees who volunteer together often develop stronger bonds, which can enhance their working relationships and increase their effectiveness as a team.
- Increased employee loyalty and retention: When organisations support their employees’ passions and interests outside of work, it fosters a sense of loyalty and appreciation. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that recognizes and supports their values, which can reduce turnover and associated costs. 83% of people say that they would be more loyal to a business that enables them to contribute to solving social and environmental problems and 88% say their job is more fulfilling when their the opportunity to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues.
- Positive impact on recruitment: Offering time off for volunteering can be an attractive benefit when recruiting new talent. Prospective employees who are passionate about giving back to society may be more inclined to join an organisation that values and supports volunteering. Research shows that 90% of prospective employees agree a company active in the community is likely to be a good employer, 88% of millennials say they want to work for a socially responsible company and 75% of them would take a pay cut to do so.
- Enhanced diversity and inclusion efforts: Volunteering provides employees with opportunities to interact with diverse groups of people and gain a broader perspective. It promotes understanding, empathy, and inclusion, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.