Build a Culture of Volunteerism

April is National Volunteer Month and it’s as good a time as any to make giving back part of your organization’s identity. Bonus—getting employees engaged in volunteerism can have a positive impact on everybody involved.

Promoting volunteerism has been shown to boost employee well-being, enhance physical and mental vitality, reduce stress levels, and even increase longevity. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only one in four Americans regularly volunteer, representing an untapped potential for corporate social responsibility initiatives.

If you’re curious about the specific benefits of fostering employee volunteerism or how to get started, read on.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

• Increased mental and physical activity—Participating in volunteer activities gives your employees the opportunity to move and think in different ways than they're used to doing at home or at work. And there’s a good chance that they'll be on the move while volunteering, which increases overall physical activity level, too.
• Reduced workplace stress—Providing opportunities for employees to give back cultivates a sense of purpose, gratitude, and belonging – key factors in mitigating work-related stress and burnout.
• Increased social well-being—Volunteering as an organization enables your team to forge new connections, build community ties, and bond over shared experiences of service. This social engagement can bolster workplace camaraderie and collaboration.

HOW TO GET STARTED

To unlock these benefits, identify local organizations aligned with your company's mission and values. A good place to start looking is within your community. Pick one that complements your teams' talents, interests, schedule and physical abilities. When you’re thinking about what you’d like to do as a volunteer, it may be helpful to think about what’s motivating you. Some volunteers are motivated by the following:

• Helping others
• Learning about the community
• Meeting new and interesting people
• Working in a team environment
• Feeling like they made a difference
• Gaining valuable life experiences
• Acquiring new skills

Once you’ve determined what will motivate your team to volunteer, you’ll be able to narrow down your search for local volunteer programs. For example, if you're looking to help others, it may be beneficial to try to volunteer at a hospital or clinic. If you are wanting to learn more about your community, volunteer on a community council or committee.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Embracing a culture of volunteerism not only enhances your organization and its employees but also contributes to the greater good. Whether through hands-on assistance or virtual micro-volunteering, there are numerous ways to make a difference during National Volunteer Month and beyond.