It’s no secret that nonprofit organizations often need volunteers. One way to find them is through corporate volunteering. Only in this case, people don’t come to you out of the kindness of their hearts but because you have an agreement with the management of the company where they work. But that does not mean that they will work any worse!
It is becoming more and more common for companies to engage in corporate volunteering. Not only because it’s good for us as a society and as individuals but also because it’s good for the company. Difficulties with finances often arise suddenly but need to be resolved immediately, so FCLOANS can be a good solution.
Why do companies need it?
It is easier to organize corporate volunteering in a large company because it will pay special attention to the following points:
- Image and reputation. Taking part in a corporate volunteer program is a message to the community and potential customers (“We are not a crooked bank, but we help children”), a way to gain the trust of the authorities (“Our company develops the region”), an asset in the fight against rivals (“we do not damage the environment; we are responsible”).
- To retain employees and attract new ones. Feeling that the company they work for has the “right” values, that they are part of something good, which is always nice to share, is particularly important for young people.
- To strengthen the bonds between employees. Volunteer work is a great opportunity to bring the team together and introduce people from different departments. It’s like going bowling for the company but more effective.
- Improving employee skills. Yes, companies can learn something from the public. For example, employees working on corporate projects can benefit from the experience of organizing charity events.
Will the nonprofit benefit?
It’s true: The more volunteers you have, the better. It means you can help more people and increase the reach of your activities. Corporate volunteers have additional benefits:
- A long-term partnership can develop from a successful corporate relationship.
- Employees may become regular volunteers outside the company to help you further if they are inspired by your ideas.
- Communication with the “outside world” can be improved through a sobering perspective and independent evaluation. Nonprofits don’t often think about what they’re doing from the outside. That is why this kind of feedback from the business world is so important!
How do you get companies interested in a corporate volunteer program?
Be flexible. Offer companies several options for collaboration:
“Offer a package.” For companies, your project is a “service.” It is a service that you offer and that they “buy.” Therefore, it should be a complex product. Everything should be included (employee motivation, training, etc.). Keep in mind that you are competing with a conventional, classic corporate party.
One-time promotions. Agreeing on permanent or long-term forms of cooperation is quite difficult. However, it is often just what the business needs to take part in a charity event, for example on New Year’s Eve.
So, to summarize, here are the answers to “Why can investing in volunteering be most successful for you in the long run?”
- Improved efficiency
Employees who volunteer their time make better employees: Good employees are those who come home feeling satisfied and accomplished. Their regular work duties do not always allow each employee to fully realize his or her skills and abilities. Volunteering is an opportunity for them to experiment with new roles, creativity, and skills. This often results in an improvement in the effectiveness of their regular work. - Enhance values
Your company’s values are reinforced and strengthened through volunteering. Today, business and branding are based on an “organizational story.” It’s not always easy to create one. Your company’s values and vision are reinforced through a common volunteer activity for all employees. In turn, both customers and employees become more loyal to the organization and its image becomes more human and positive. - Professional employees
Companies that promote volunteerism and community involvement will be seen by employees and others as a desirable place to work, a place that promotes social values, and a place where business can thrive. If management cares about the company, it will care about employees. This reputation will greatly enhance your ability to retain current employees and attract new quality employees in the future. - Team Building
Volunteer work helps to create informal relationships between employees and managers. They are based on shared, non-work-related experiences and the stress that sometimes accompanies them. Practically speaking, this powerful emotional bond creates teams, connects people, and makes work itself more effective, concentrated, and fun.