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Everyone wins when businesses facilitate volunteerism the right way.
This national volunteer week (15 to 21 May), Volunteering Australia is shedding light on the country’s many helpers who have given up their time to contribute to their community.
The organisation notes that the benefits of volunteering extend beyond the receiver and that, on a corporate level, facilitating charitable endeavours that your business participates in can result in rewards for everyone involved.
Sarah Dickson, general manager of the LJ Hooker Foundation which coordinates activities across the network throughout the year, agreed that the value in volunteering is felt across various aspects of the businesses that participate.
"Charity work not only aligns with our company values but also strengthens employee engagement and gives us all a greater purpose beyond the day-to-day, while simultaneously providing much needed funds for those in need.”
There are four key principles that lay the foundation of sound volunteering programs, according to Volunteer Australia:
- Internal support
- Staff choice and involvement
- Risk management
- Meaningful relationships nurtured with not-for-profit partners
In establishing a venture to support on a corporate level, Volunteering Australia stresses that it’s important to work closely with staff.
“The success of any corporate volunteering program depends on the level of staff participation in any given volunteering activity. Consultation with staff in the initial planning phases can help you frame the program in a way that is attractive to them,” it noted.
When staff are part of the decision-making process, they are more likely to support the cause, the organisation said.
A program will also hold appeal if it incorporates flexibility in terms of what types of activities staff can be involved in, when they can volunteer, and for whom they can volunteer.
That’s why choosing a cause is an important consideration. Beyond partnering with an endeavour that aligns with your business on some level — or perhaps represents a personal connection for you or your staff — it’s important that you find something that everyone will feel committed to and that is well suited to the resources you can offer.
According to Volunteer Australia, in all aspects of corporate volunteerism, communication is key. Once you have a good sense of what you and your staff are willing to contribute, you can then be upfront with the organisation about the commitment your company is prepared to make. For many, it might make sense to participate in a program that has already been established by a charitable organisation that regularly requests volunteers. You can also look to forge your own partnership; just be clear on what your resources are for support so that all parties come out of the experience satisfied.
And once the event has concluded, make sure to give due recognition to the staff that took part in the community work. As anyone in business knows, time is precious and often the most valuable thing one can give.
Ultimately, it's no small effort to coordinate volunteerism in the workplace. Ms Dickson noted the many aspects of sustaining a charitable program across the network.
"At head office, we support and encourage our people to engage in charity and volunteer work by fostering a culture of giving, providing paid volunteer time off, collaborating with non-profits, and recognising and celebrating the contributions of our people and network of offices".
But she noted that while contributing the wider community is the aim, it also pays dividends in supporting a strong company culture.
"Our founder Sir Leslie’s belief in supporting the community through charity work continues to shape our values today".
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