Corporate Volunteerism: More than a Perk - an Underutilized Development Tool

The Wall Street Journal has an article today on "the latest office perk":  paying employees for volunteer assignments.  Volunteer programs are seen as a particularly strong point in attracting and retaining Millenials.  But corporate volunteerism has much to offer beyond being an attraction and retention tool.

Today's HR professionals are facing increasing pressure to create the development opportunities necessary to prepare the next generation of leaders (a particularly urgent need with the boomers approaching retirement age), along with training budgets that have been flattened by a slowing economy.  New research from Deloitte suggests that the solution to this challenge may lie in an unexpected place: corporate volunteer programs.

According to Deloitte's Volunteer IMPACT survey, 91% of respondents agree that skills-based volunteering would add value to training and development programs, but only 16% of companies intentionally offer skills-based volunteer opportunities for employee development on a regular basis.  And out of those who do offer volunteer opportunities for the purpose of leadership and skill development, the vast majority limit the opportunities to management and above. 

Interesting possibilities here, it seems to me.

Comments

[Almostgotit]

I saw the WSJ article today too, but you've really added something here by making this connection with the results of the Deloitte study.

It never fails to tickle me when it can be demonstrated that corporations doing the "right" thing for employees will often (usually?) also end up doing the right thing for themselves. Three big cheers for enlightened self-interest!

[Ann Bares]

Almost:

Tickles me too - big chance for a win/win. And an opportunity for someone with the right skill set and vision to get involved in the middle somewhere, making it happen!

[Michael Haberman, SPHR]

I know that when I served on volunteer boards it improved my business ability, plus connections to the communities. I have also seen it work for junior executives to work on things like Junior Achievement. They hone their leadership skills, their presentation skills, their planning skills.

I think companies could do alot for themselves, their employees and for the community at a time where just giving money may be difficult to do.

[Ann Bares]

Michael:

I have had the same experience with volunteer board experience - I learned a ton. I agree that this represents an incredible opportunity for the companies that have the foresight to pursue it.

Thanks for checking in and sharing your thoughts!