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.