Create a corporate culture of community caring
Should companies pay their employees when volunteering?
While there are many motivating factors surrounding promoting volunteerism in the workplace, none speaks more loudly to an employee than knowing they can give back to their favorite nonprofit and be compensated while doing so. Although this really doesn't fit the true definition of volunteerism, it does emphasize the commitment a company has within the community they do business.
By offering employee time and resources, companies are meeting the pressing needs of their community. But corporate volunteering serves both ways. Many studies show the value of volunteering can be measured beyond the satisfaction of making a difference.
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 36.5 percent of Idaho residents volunteer, ranking them third among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., 37.2 percent of Idaho residents over age 55 volunteer. Idahoans volunteer 48.6 hours per resident with 425,050 total volunteers. They serve 58.2 million hours with $1.3 billion of service contributed. 55.7 percent of Idaho residents donate to charity.
Other studies show more than half of employees want to get involved with their company's cause-related efforts through company-sponsored days of service. The second most important driver of employee engagement in the United States is an organization's reputation in the community. Companies with the highest levels of employee engagement see more than a 19 percent average annual increase in their operating income.
Most employees want to give back, but with family obligations, children's activities and often two-career families, finding time is a challenge. Most employees would jump at the chance to participate in a volunteer day, loaned employee opportunity, or even volunteer sabbaticals if offered through their companies, and especially serving at the charitable organization that is near and dear to their heart.
For some, it can be a rare chance to connect what they do for a living with the life they actually live every day. We all have experiences when someone gave us a helping hand or a lift up. This could mean a family member dealing with a mental or health illness, an individual may make regular visits to a local food bank because the spouse is out of work, or sadly, an individual suffering from abuse is looking for sanctuary. Many of us work side by side, every day, with coworkers finding their way out of these situations and often times we don't even know it. This is an opportunity for these individuals to give back by helping other families.
"At United Way of Kootenai County, we have seen tremendous support from employees of several companies in Kootenai County," said Mark Tucker, executive director of United Way of Kootenai County. "One example is Mountain West Bank whose employees have managed our golf tournament check-in process and are actively involved in helping us develop our Day of Caring activities. Those are two of our more prominent events throughout the year and Mountain West Bank provides financial support as well as allowing employees to take an active role in planning and implementing these events through volunteerism," he added.
Workplace skills such as writing, editing, marketing, social media, website maintenance and office support are often the most critically needed support for a nonprofit organization due to budget restrictions. When the volunteer period is over, individuals often feel refreshed and eager to share their experience with coworkers. Financial contributions are vital to nonprofit success, but allowing employees to devote time to something they feel passionate about, sends a message of loyalty and leads to increased productivity and retention.
Most companies that have volunteer programs share two qualities: a culture for compassion and a highly engaged workforce. They know that by encouraging employee volunteering, they are building an emotional connection within their teams while helping build the community around them. Increased morale, teamwork and camaraderie all create a tighter organization.
"A highly engaged workforce is more likely to exert extra effort and have lower turnover rates, which can be linked to increased output, sales, and profitability," says Michael Stroik, manager of research and analytics for CECP, a coalition of CEOs that believe societal improvement is an essential measure of business performance. Each year the organization releases its Giving in Numbers report, surveying 240 Fortune 500 companies on their philanthropic activities. In 2012, 70 percent of the companies surveyed offered paid-release-time volunteer programs.
Volunteer Opportunities:
The seventh annual Day of Caring will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18. United Way is bringing everyone together to celebrate volunteerism and the "LIVE UNITED" spirit in our community.
Join more than 300 business leaders and community members as they roll up their sleeves and grab their tools to spend the day giving back to our community by helping local nonprofits. Projects are lined up, don't miss out on this exciting call to action. United Way's Volunteer Center will match the best volunteer groups to get the job done.
The 5K Run for the Angels is Oct. 5 at noon beginning at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene. The Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation is dedicated to educating the public on safe sleep practices for infants, bringing awareness to SIDS/SUID and providing grief support to those who have experienced a SUID/SIDS loss. Volunteer opportunities include manning a water station, directing racers, or helping at a booth. This is an inspirational afternoon. It is not just a 5K - it is a silent auction, educational opportunity and a remembrance ceremony is held for the angels who inspired this foundation. Volunteer for this fun event today.
For more information on how to register for these volunteer opportunities, visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.
Get Connected!
The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center
GET CONNECTED!
* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community
* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities
* TAKE ACTION
(208) 667-8112
Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER