Volunteerism and the Workplace

Summary: Finding time to set aside for volunteer work is challenging for many employees. Reconciling the high demands of the workplace (and the home) with volunteer activities can present quite a juggling act.

Many employers see their businesses as a 24/7 commitment-and Blackberries, PDAs, cell phones, and home computers make it more and more impossible to "leave" the office.

Here are a few issues and concerns you may want consider:

• Look for online volunteer projects you can do via a home or work computer; such as letter writing, teletutoring, grant research
• Reduce overtime
• Ask your HR department or manager about corporate-sponsored volunteer activities
• Consider designing a workplace volunteer program that's perfect for your company

Here are a few suggestions employees can explore with their employers:

• Discuss the potential opportunities and benefits that community involvement can bring to the company and its employees
• Offer release time for volunteer work
• Consider flexible work arrangements
• Find ways to coordinate employees' volunteer work by partnering with a nonprofit
• Recognize employees for their volunteer accomplishments and contributions
• Permit employees to occasionally communicate with their group by phone or e-mail while at the office

Something to Think About...
Volunteers gain a sense of pride and develop respect for others. Volunteerism creates an atmosphere of cooperation, productivity, dependability, motivation, and communication. Workplace volunteerism is an excellent team-building tool.