In observance of National Volunteer Month, Brooke Waupsh, CEO of Swoovy, shares the importance of employee engagement and community service.
Volunteerism plays a crucial role in the development of businesses and employees, serving as a cornerstone of their aspirations. Data indicates that participating in employee volunteer programs leads to increased productivity and loyalty among employees. Companies are recognizing the benefits of promoting volunteerism. Investing in such initiatives can bolster employee engagement, workplace satisfaction and loyalty, thereby creating a positive ROI. Furthermore, volunteerism fosters camaraderie and team building among employees, generating positive psychological benefits that ripple throughout the company. However, simply holding a yearly service day is no longer effective in today’s remote work environment. Companies must explore efficient ways to connect employees with meaningful opportunities that resonate with their interests and passions.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the responsibility that companies have to support and uplift their surrounding community. Businesses often accomplish this through employee volunteerism. This not only enhances the company’s public image but also promotes greater employee engagement.
The Case for Corporate Volunteerism
In the fast-paced corporate world, it can be challenging for employees to find meaning in their work and feel like they are making a tangible impact. A Deloitte-fronted study showed that 74% of employees shared the belief that company-provided corporate volunteerism opportunities allowed employees to fulfill their desire to contribute to their community and reinforced a sense of purpose in their work. Without such opportunities, employees may feel adrift and lack motivation. It’s worth noting that volunteerism has a significant impact on employee engagement. (Studies report an increase of up to 89%.)
Having engaged employees is vital for the success of both the employees and the company. CSR opportunities provide a remedy for this. Engaged employees are more productive and committed to their work, leading to improved day-to-day activities and overall company success. In another Deloitte study, research shows volunteerism has the potential to enhance business development, helping employees improve their communication and leadership skills.
Effective communication and strong leadership are crucial skills for any employee, and volunteerism provides a unique opportunity to develop and enhance these skills. By participating in volunteer work, employees are able to hone their abilities to effectively communicate with others and take on leadership roles in a different setting. Volunteering can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork amongst coworkers. In fact, research has shown that 77% of employees reported feeling closer to their colleagues after participating in volunteer activities together. Employers who prioritize and encourage volunteerism among their teams can reap the benefits of increased cohesion and collaboration, leading to higher success rates for these teams.
Encourage Volunteerism
Why should companies encourage volunteerism among their employees? The answer lies in the fact that motivation for doing one’s best work must come from within. While internal drive is a powerful motivator, psychological well-being can strengthen it. Volunteerism has the capacity to boost mental well-being in several ways. For instance, it facilitates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural happiness chemicals. An employee feels rewarded and fulfilled simply from doing good in the community. This sense of purpose contributes to the strength of their drive at work. Additionally, teams in companies volunteering together helps build and strengthen relationships. Employees are more likely to work more cohesively when they have a good relationship with one another. Volunteering can help achieve that. By encouraging teams to work together, employees can learn problem-solving skills and gain insights into how their teammates work most effectively.
Encouraging volunteerism in the workplace allows companies to reap benefits beyond just contributing to the community. CSR can lead to greater employee satisfaction, a more positive public image and ultimately, increased success. If you’re interested in incorporating volunteerism into your company, check out the Swoovy platform. We can help your company make a meaningful impact while also boosting employee morale and productivity.
Brooke Waupsh, CEO of Swoovy, is a recognized female founder in the technology startup and innovation space. She focuses on addressing the critical need for increased employee engagement and morale in the future of work, particularly through the impact of employee volunteer programs and community service. With a growing number of employees feeling unmotivated and disconnected from their work, there is a need for companies to evolve their culture and offer more meaningful benefits and a greater sense of inclusion. Swoovy offers a powerful platform that enables companies to provide volunteer opportunities for their employees and track their engagement and impact.