Offering volunteer opportunities helps your employees, your organisation and local causes
In June, New Zealand marks National Volunteer Week - a chance to shout out to all the wonderful volunteers who help to keep charities and community groups running up and down Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stats show that over half of Kiwis give their time to volunteer, but not everyone has the time or resources to volunteer outside of their paid work.
That’s why offering volunteer time within your organisation can be of real benefit - to your employees, to your organisation and, of course, to the groups that benefit from your volunteering. And yes, you should offer volunteer time even if you are a for-purpose organisation yourself!
3 benefits of offering volunteer opportunities to employees
#1 It can be used for team building with purpose - Many organisations have traded typical team building away days, for a team volunteer session. It might be volunteering at a food bank or planting native trees. These sessions help your team bond over a shared purpose while also helping your organisation give something back to its local community.
#2 It develops skills - Volunteering at different organisations or even within a different part of your own organisation can help employees develop new skills that they can then apply to their paid roles.
#3 It can improve employees' impression of your organisation - Offering volunteer opportunities can help employees feel more connected with and supported by your organisation and look on it more favourably. For example, a Deloitte survey in the US found that 91% of survey respondents said volunteer opportunities can have a positive impact on their overall work experience and connection to their employer.
How to offer volunteer opportunities in your organisation
Incorporate volunteering at work
Group volunteering during work time is one of the easiest ways to get started with volunteering. Organise a group activity on a regular basis that your team does instead of being in the office. You could choose a different activity or cause to support each month and ask for feedback from the team on what you should do.
Offer paid time off as part of your employment package
Many organisations offer a day a year (or several) when employees leave the office behind and spend the day giving their time for a good cause.
Offer flexible hours
If your employees are struggling to find time to volunteer, then you could offer flexible hours to help them do it. For example, you might allow an early finish in order for someone to complete a volunteer shift.
Fundraise instead - If you don’t have the opportunity to volunteer time, then your organisation could get involved with fundraising for a cause instead. Choose a cause and either take part in their campaign or organise your own fundraising events, and then donate the money.
