Overview

Corporate Volunteering occurs when employers demonstrate a commitment to their employees' volunteering by encouraging, organising and enabling employees to a volunteer as part of their work commitment.

A successful corporate volunteering event can provide several benefits:

• Improved staff morale
• Improved reputation in the community
• Networking opportunities
• Enhanced staff skill set

Consult Staff

Work with your staff regarding the type of volunteering activity they would be interested in. Consulting with staff during the initial planning will help increase interest in the program and encourage support, if not participation. Having a degree of flexibility about types of activities, when the activities happen and who the staff can volunteer for can all have a positive impact on the event.

Type of volunteering

The activity performed during volunteering can help determine interest from staff, for instance some staff may be happier to do something outdoors, such as gardening, while other staff may prefer to do something more related to arts and crafts. Each staff member has their own hobbies and interests, tapping into those interests can improve staff involvement and satisfaction at the end of the day.

Day and time?

Consider availability of staff and the organisation you're hoping to volunteer with. Many volunteer managers work part time and being able to fit in with their schedule will help provide the best outcome for the day. If the volunteering occurs on a weekday or weekend may be important for insurance coverage.

Costs?

Many organisations will ask for a fee for groups to volunteer, this helps to cover costs the organisation may incur such as staff time for supervision or materials like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), or groceries that are required.

Motivations

Staff are more or less attracted depending on how "worthy" the activity is to them. Staff may feel volunteering for a particular cause is more important to them than volunteering for a different cause. Other reasons that may motivate staff is the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, having fun with colleagues, or just for something different that's out of the office.

Existing skill sets

Corporate volunteering can be an excellent opportunity to build on staff members existing skill sets. Staff may find participation to be more attractive if it also provides an opportunity to learn new skills or expand current skills. 

Time commitment

Consider the time available to staff members that may wish to participate. Some staff may only have the capacity to spend a few hours of their day volunteering while other staff may be able to offer a whole day.

Travel times

How far is the travel? A long travel may be off-putting for staff resulting in a reduced involvement. Volunteering close to home, or close to the office is easier on staff and can help encourage participation.

Venue Accessibility 

Consider the accessibility of the venue. If it is indoors, how easy is it for participants using mobility aids to navigate the venue? If it is outdoors, will participants with mobility aids be able to participate? Consider what temporary arrangements can be made to ensure everyone is able to participate. It is always a good idea to sight the venue and work with the host organisation to ensure accessibility.

How long is it going?

Is the volunteering once off or is it recurring? This can affect staff availability to participate depending on their workload. Some staff may be more comfortable providing their volunteering as a once-off while other volunteers are happy to provide ongoing support for the duration of a project, or even as ongoing support.

Any causes or activities that are of interest

Staff may express an interest in certain causes that are more significant to them personally, some may feel more strongly about sporting clubs while others may be more supportive of community radio. Finding a cause or activity that more staff want to support can increase participation and help improve the day for all involved.

Finding a Corporate Volunteer Opportunity

Making direct contact with the organisation, ideally the volunteer manager/coordinator, and letting them know you have a team of people that want to help their organisation is a good way to start. 

Visit the organisation and discuss the matter in person, this helps show them that you are serious about the opportunity.

Make it easy for them, go to them at a time they nominate. Volunteer managers often work part time and managing volunteers are only a part of their tasks.

Ensure good communication, be clear about expectations and encourage them to do the same. If they want something that cannot be offered, be clear about it. It will avoid difficulties later on.

Ensure everyone benefits, if the organisation doesn't value the work being done, the volunteers won't and likely won't want to volunteer with them again, if at all.

If the event goes well and all parties are satisfied, it may be worth offering a repeat of the event with the same group or even a different group.