Corporate volunteering

Corporate volunteering also called Employee Supported Volunteering is a simple and effective way for businesses to contribute to their local community. Companies give their employees an allowance of paid time off annually, which they then use to volunteer at a charity of their choice.

What types of corporate volunteering are there?

Face-to-face volunteering

This is where volunteers give their time on site, or at a specific place such as a care home or Food Bank for example. It’s a popular and engaging way for employees to get out of their day-to-day routines while connecting and contributing to a cause.

Virtual volunteering

Online volunteering also allows employees to contribute to a cause but frees them from the responsibility of travelling to or from a specific location. Virtual Volunteering is also often referred to as Micro Volunteering, because support can be given in small and bespoke packages.

Skills-based employee volunteering

This is where an employee uses their knowledge and abilities to benefit a worthy cause, often completed virtually over discrete periods of time. Training, coaching or mentoring are prime examples of this. Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire has a programme of Training and Peer Network Sessions where this type of volunteering is encouraged. For more information on how to get involved contact info@voluntaryimpact.org.uk

What are the benefits of Corporate Volunteering for the Employee?

Personal Development

Skills such as public speaking, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, work ethic and time management are all Personal Development Areas that volunteering opportunities can help toward.

Wellbeing

Employees who say they work with a sense of purpose report high levels of wellbeing. This is often referred to as the Helpers High, where that sense of contribution induces positive self-worth and esteem.

Mental health

The act of Giving Back has been shown to increase resilience in Mental Health. This can manifest itself in lower levels of mortality and a greater sense of purpose and optimism.

What are the benefits for business?

Branding and Profile

Employee Supported Volunteering provides a business with market reach and profile opportunities. In Northamptonshire, there are 3,600 organisations supporting 770,000 potential individuals, all of whom are consumers of goods and services.

Talent attraction

Employer branding aside, if a business offers Employee Supported Volunteering opportunities, it can be an extremely appealing factor for talent on their roadmap to upskilling and reskilling.

Positive Impact

Corporate Volunteering helps business to create a positive impact. Business works at the heart of communities, and its employees live, work, and invest in these areas. If employees volunteer locally, they can strengthen ties between communities, community organisations and business.

Investor Appeal

Some investors are looking to support business which takes its Corporate and Social Responsibility seriously. Having a Corporate Volunteering Programme is one tangible way in which a commitment can be demonstrated.