Thursday, August 21, 2008

Corporate volunteering builds teamwork, improves employee retention

Looking to build teamwork in the office, but running out of ideas? Ditch the office and volunteer.

More than just a fun day out, volunteering strengthens employee bonds and improves teamwork. Bosses value volunteering because of the positive image it creates for the company in the eyes of the community.

Of course the community will appreciate it, but your employees will love it. When employees are engaged, happy and know their employer is doing good in the community, they’ll be hard-pressed to leave.

Whether it’s painting a nursing home activity center, planting a garden or setting up a neighborhood playground, employees work toward a common goal that is tangible and something they can share pride in.

Major companies like IBM, Ernst & Young, and UPS have been featured in Forbes and the Wall Street Journal for their philanthropic work in the community. Some are even saying that getting paid to volunteer is the next trend in corporate perks.

Your company may not have the same size budget as major retailers and community service leaders like Gap and Target, you can still create a program where employees get paid to give back.

Designing a employee volunteer program starts with four key steps, according to Tory Johnson at World Volunteer Web. Employers must determine their goals for volunteering, then select the right project, create a schedule and monitor the progress.

Here are some great places to get started:

Habitat for Humanity - help build a home for a deserving local family.

Meals on Wheels - deliver a meals to people in need.

American Red Cross
- support community members devastated by disaster.

Volunteer Match - find volunteer opportunities in your area.

2 comments:

mary said...

Great post - and great ideas! From an employee standpoint, not only do these types of organized volunteer efforts give you a new appreciation for your employer, but it gives you the opportunity to share a positive experience with your co-workers, strengthening or creating a bond outside of the office and improving morale within it.

Ethan said...

Thank you for the comment about corporate training and team work. I have purchased a book called “NO PROPS” recently and it is really helpful and entertaining. The book is about some of the best games, energizers, trust exercises and group problem-solving activities use no equipment whatsoever. This book describes 130 no-prop ice-breakers, warm-ups, initiatives, and many fun games. Especially the team building games is one of the great advantages of this book.

Ice-Breakers & Group Games That Work 'No Props: Great Games with No Equipment' by Mark Collard

These high energy, interactive, full-on fun activities are ideal for developing self-esteem and team skills with your group. Suitable for all ages, can be easily adapted for people of all abilities. The author shares many pearls of wisdom regarding effective leadership skills and how to get the most out of your program.

For more information do visit the below link:
www.inspireyourgroup.com/noprops.htm


Brought to you by www.gneil.com