Deloitte has done multiple surveys on volunteering, and it has consistently found that creating a culture of volunteerism makes for a happier, more engaged workforce. That, they note, translates to better morale and a workplace atmosphere that has more of a team spirit.
The Deloitte reports (“Volunteerism Survey”) indicate that most people want to work for a company that supports volunteering by staff. It reports that 89% of working Americans believe that companies that sponsor such activities offer a better overall working environment. “In fact, 70% of respondents say that volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours, and 77% say, ‘volunteering is essential to employee well-being.’”
Of the respondents, just 38% said that their employers provide access to company-sponsored or coordinated volunteer programs. Also, 69% said they are not volunteering as much as they would like to, and of those respondents, 62% said they cannot volunteer during the workday. “It appears that many employees understand the value of volunteering and have the desire to do more, but they aren’t reaping the full benefits,” said Doug Marshall, Deloitte’s managing director of corporate citizenship.
There are some caveats to volunteering. One survey of working Americans who had volunteered in the prior 12 months said that they want to be part of a program that is compelling. They want to see results that confirm their help mattered. Most employees would like to be able to suggest a different cause, not just always the charity that the company president prefers.
There are multiple benefits to employers who support volunteering efforts. Such programs create deeper connections and friendships among coworkers, which in turn can lead to smoother teamwork and better collaboration back at the office. Also, the volunteering experience helps foster a person’s leadership skills. Today’s dedicated volunteer could grow into a key company contributor and leader.
Manufacturers GIVING BACK
This is a sidebar from Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.
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Looking for other parts of this feature series?
Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?
