As originally appeared in Ripple of Change Magazine, September 13, 2024
Author: Jenn Wint
Offering their employees paid time off to volunteer, demonstrates a company’s commitment to putting social responsibility commitments into action.
Does playing chess online with a senior citizen in a nursing home count as social responsibility? Some companies believe it does. Corporate social responsibility can mean a lot of things. One powerful way companies demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility is by offering employees the choice, on company time, to make the world a better place. Whether it’s collecting litter along a shoreline, singing to babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, preparing and serving soup to an unhoused population or managing the social media accounts for an animal rescue, volunteer time looks and feels different for each of us.
At automotive finance and insurance provider, LGM Financial Services, their Giving Back policy supports employees to volunteer in their community, donating paid company time to support organizations that matter to them. Part of the interview process with potential employees asks about community giving so a candidate knows from the beginning what the values and culture of the organization are like.
“We offer each of our employees four paid days a year dedicated to giving back in whatever way is meaningful to them,” shares Cindy Brannan Vice President of People and Culture at LGM Financial Services. “Giving back falls under our Social Responsibility pillars at LGM. We have group volunteer events like preparing and serving lunch at the gospel mission but many volunteer efforts are employee-led and then the company joins in. Our employee’s volunteer interests range from supporting fundraisers at the Terry Fox Foundation to playing chess online with people who are homebound which offers social interaction to those without. From the top down, we believe the more you give, the more you get. We’ve found when our employees go out in the community to help others, it’s inevitably also a good way to help themselves.”
Companies offering paid volunteer time to employees are not only supporting local causes in their community, they’re strengthening their own brands and employee engagement at the same time. Many people have the desire to volunteer but lack the time or opportunities. Making volunteer initiatives part of a corporate culture is a huge benefit for those looking to help as well as the organizations on the receiving end.
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly wishy-washy as businesses express intention to actively contribute to the well-being of society and the environment but fail at execution. Offering employees the opportunity to allocate company time and their own interests to CSR is a great way to put intention into action.
How does paid volunteer time work?
Paid volunteer time, also known as Volunteer Time Off (VTO), is an internal company initiative where employees are offered a certain number of paid hours to engage in volunteer activities outside of their regular work responsibilities. These hours can be used during work time or during personal time and then taken off during work hours. Often they can be put towards a personal cause or a cause determined by the company. This practice has gained momentum as businesses recognize the value of giving back to society while empowering their workforce to make a difference.
Benefits of paid volunteer time that benefit both employees and employers:
- Personal Fulfillment: Many employees appreciate the time to volunteer in an area that interests them. The support of their employer allows workers to contribute meaningfully to causes they care about, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond their professional duties.
- Skills Development: Volunteering often involves teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Employees can enhance their skill set or acquire new talents in a non-work environment, which translates into improved job performance.
- Work-Life Balance: Offering paid time off for volunteering demonstrates a company’s commitment to supporting employees’ holistic well-being by encouraging a healthy balance between work and personal interests.
- Strengthens Company Culture: When employees feel supported at work, especially on initiatives that take place outside of work, their commitment, productivity and loyalty to their employer increases.
- Showcases Corporate Commitment: Companies that prioritize social responsibility are viewed more favorably by consumers, investors, partners and potential employees. Demonstrating that corporate values align with social responsibility and giving back to the community strengthens a brand’s reputation.
- Employee Engagement and Retention: Providing opportunities for employees to give back fosters a sense of pride and loyalty. Engaged employees are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover costs. Showing opportunities to give back is attractive to potential employees considering your company.
- Team Building: Volunteering often involves teamwork, allowing employees to bond outside of the office environment. Volunteering allows various teams and management groups to work together on a shared goal. This can improve collaboration and communication among team members, leading to a more productive workforce.
- Financially Rewarding: Funds donated are often tax-deductible, offering companies a financial incentive. Donation matching is another good way to support employees giving causes in their community.
Companies Leading the Way in Paid Volunteer Time
Companies are realizing the cultural and corporate benefits of supporting paid volunteer time. The return on investment is huge and progressive companies see that and live those values. Here are some businesses who offer paid volunteer time policies:
- Salesforce: This software company offers employees seven days of paid volunteer time off per year. They also organize group volunteering activities and provide grants for employees’ charitable donations.
- LGM Financial Services: Since 2017, employees at this automotive finance and insurance provider have given back over 26,500 hours to organizations across Canada.
- Microsoft: In 2023 over 43,000 Microsoft employees volunteered more than 930,000 hours. The company also matches employees’ charitable contributions and provides resources to support employee-led volunteer projects.
- Patagonia: This outdoor apparel company encourages employees to take up to two months of paid leave to work for environmental causes. They also offer on-site volunteering opportunities and donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations.
- SOLE: The footwear company is committed to making a positive impact in their community, outside their organization. Annually their employees volunteer almost 200 hours and in 2022 they donated a value of $74,703.86 through their give back program.
- Bank of America: This global bank offers employees up to two hours per week to volunteer to encourage employees to contribute to community needs during business hours.
- Heineken: The beer brand’s volunteer program aligns with their Brew a Better World 2030 strategy.
Building Social Good into Company Culture
Real estate development group Beedie, supports local non-profit organizations that strengthen their communities. Every year the organization selects four to six organizations, like community meal initiative Plenty of Plates, to support through fundraising initiatives, volunteer time and targeted giving.
Time and time again our team leaves Plenty of Plates having achieved anything one could want from a team-building event. But what brings us back is the impact that this event makes to the wider community. Local residents leave with full bellies. Everyone leaves with big smiles, full hearts and added perspective through genuine connection.
– Jaime Twohig, QA/QC Lead at Beedie
Volunteering is good for business
Paid volunteer time is a win-win for both companies and employees, promoting social responsibility while enhancing workplace satisfaction, teamwork and performance. As businesses continue to prioritize CSR initiatives, integrating volunteerism into corporate culture will be key to driving positive impact and fostering a sense of purpose among employees. By investing in their communities and empowering employees to make a difference, companies will strengthen their brand while contributing to stronger, more resilient communities locally and globally.
How you can help
Ask your company how they support employee volunteerism. Suggesting a paid volunteer time policy and sharing case studies of companies that offer them could start some valuable conversations.
Find a local cause that aligns with your personal and professional values. Create a team at work and begin volunteering. Find ways to incorporate your company through a lunch hour food drive or simple, one-time initiative.
Donation matching. Ask your organization to raise money or match employees’ donations made towards local causes.
