Should your company focus on volunteerism to attract job candidates and retain employees? A new study suggests it’s definitely worth considering.
Nearly 9 out of 10 working Americans responding to the 2017 Deloitte Volunteerism Survey say companies that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment than those that do not.
What’s more, 70 percent of workers say that volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours, and 77 percent say, “Volunteering is essential to employee well-being.”
Interest in Volunteer Programs
Despite employee enthusiasm, volunteerism in the workplace is not widespread. Only 38 percent of respondents say their employers provide access to company-sponsored or coordinated volunteer programs.
As a result, perhaps, 69 percent of workers say they are not volunteering as much as they would like.
Time also appears to be a factor. Among those respondents, nearly two-thirds, 62 percent, say they cannot dedicate time during the day to volunteering.
In addition, workers want to know their efforts make a difference. This is especially true of millennials, 75 percent of whom say they would volunteer more often if they understood the impact they were making, compared to 61 percent of all respondents.
Making the Career Connection
Interestingly, however, workers don’t see volunteering as a way to advance their careers. Only 18 percent of working Americans believe that volunteering can enhance their career opportunities, and only 36 percent say it can help develop new skills.
This perception doesn’t seem to be shared by leadership.
In 2016, Deloitte looked at volunteerism from the other side of the desk, surveying individuals with the ability to either directly influence hiring or indirectly influence the person making the hiring decision. Last year’s survey shows that 80 percent of hiring influencers believe active volunteers move into leadership roles more easily.
These findings suggest that when implementing or sponsoring volunteer programs, companies should emphasize the benefits of employee participation.
“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, managing director of corporate citizenship for Deloitte LLP.
Getting Involved
Likewise, Deloitte research suggests companies should look at the many benefits of volunteerism.
“As businesses continue to find new ways to retain and attract new talent, and establish a more purpose-driven and engaged workforce, they should consider how they can better incorporate volunteerism into their culture,” said Marshall. “It’s a potential solution from which businesses, professionals, and communities can benefit, while supporting employees’ personal and career development, and boosting their sense of well-being.”
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Paula Santonocito, Contributing Editor for Recruiting Daily Advisor, is a business journalist specializing in employment issues. She is the author of more than 1,000 articles on a wide range of human resource and career topics, with an emphasis on recruiting and hiring. Her articles have been featured in many global and domestic publications and information outlets, referenced in academic and legal publications as well as books, and translated into several languages. |