Research on Volunteerism Increasing employee retention, attraction, morale, team building Presented on these pages are numerous studies confirming that when employees engage in volunteerism, the result is increased retention, attraction, morale, and other benefits. According to the 2003 Corporation for National and Community Service survey 63.8 million Americans volunteered via their companies. Sources of data or quotations are noted in italics at the end of each section. ---------------------------------------------------------------- "By paying more attention to community needs and pledging valuable skilled services to nonprofit organizations, companies are, consequently, strengthening employee retention, recruiting, teamwork and morale." "Giving Back, Giving Time" HR Magazine April 2008 Volume53 Issue4 ---------------------------------------------------------------- According to a 2000 survey of 248 employee volunteer managers, 97% felt employee volunteering provided a way to improve teamwork, 58% use the volunteer program for recruitment and employee retention, and 100% thought volunteering improved the company's image. "Increasing Small Business Volunteerism: Overcoming the Cost Factor" Kilcrease, Kelly M. Ivey, Business Journal ---------------------------------------------------------------- "The top business benefits associated with supporting volunteer activities included: providing personal development opportunities for employees (76%) helping to motivate staff (72%) bringing new skills/experience/ideas into the organization (69%) enhancing corporate reputation (69%) or making it more respected (60%)" "Even fewer promote support for volunteers as a benefit to existing or potential employees. This is despite a growing desire amongst employees that such activities should be supported. This gulf between attitude and action means that many employers are missing an increasingly valuable opportunity in the ongoing battle to attract and retain the best employees. In the survey, 40% thought that providing support for volunteer activities can play an important role in improving staff retention and 33% thought it helped attract high quality employees. 69% said that their organization's policies on support for volunteering should be better publicized." Author Claire McCartney (Senior Researcher at Roffey Park Management College) said: "Volunteering is becoming increasingly important for employers - and not just for their corporate responsibility. It is clear that well managed policies to support staff wishing to take part in volunteer activities can deliver significant business benefits in areas such as staff development and retention." "The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development 2005 Flexible Working survey of 585 UK organizations, found that staff retention is the main reason for organizations introducing flexible working practices. In the same survey, of HR professionals, 70% said that flexible working had a positive effect on employee motivation." "Volunteering for a successful business - working opportunities report" http://www.sabre.mod.uk/files/pdf/Volunteering_for_a_successful_business%20-%20summary_report.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------- "…[volunteer] programs improve employee retention and morale, aid in recruitment and build better teams. Half of the respondents reported a direct correlation between volunteerism and profitability." "These efforts are paying off in the way of recruiting and retention. ""We are finding more and more that people are joining the company not just for the job and the money, but for a sense of shared culture," says Allen." "Volunteering to Succeed" By Kenneth Hein and Helena Miele (allbusiness.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Family Volunteering increases employee morale and builds a positive attitude in the workplace. Family Volunteering improves the workplace by breaking down barriers among employees, reinforcing teamwork and building commitment. Family Volunteering in the workplace adds an extra dimension of sharing, caring and creates a sense of community among employees. Family Volunteering enhances quality time for families by allowing learning opportunities and positive role modeling for children. Family Volunteering provides opportunity for skill development in such areas as leadership, problem-solving, and public speaking, as well as improved organizational skills. Family Volunteering has a positive impact on a company's image in the community and demonstrates the commitment of a company and its employees to the communities in which it is doing business. http://www.pointsoflight.org/downloads/pdf/networks/business/membersonly/Business_ Benefits_of_Family_Volunteering.pdf