There are multiple initiatives that I see customers implementing, and the corporative volunteering It has always been, in some way, the “patch” of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
why do i say patch? Because in many companies their managers and talent areas use it to clean up inconsistencies in its mission, vision and values, or to comply with its sustainability reports. And in very few, as a consistent and sustained action.
From my experience, corporate volunteering is an effective strategy that, in addition to contributing, serves to foster a positive work environment and align the company’s pillars.
With these programs it has been shown in various studies that the internal climate can be improved and people’s commitment can be increased. And they are useful in all sizes of companies.
10 strategies to add value through corporate volunteering
Today I am sharing some strategies that have resulted in several companies really focused on adding value with this policy:
1. Sensitize the participants
It begins by raising awareness among the #team willing to participate in volunteering and planning a sustainable and measurable strategy with concrete results. Don’t make it mandatory.
2. Design with the culture and values of the organization
Allocate the necessary resources for your success. For financiers: please, don’t give him “zero budget”, because that’s not how it works…
3. Focus on the topics closest to the teams
Many companies implement these programs almost for political purposes or social commitments; It is recommended that they seek to focus, even in those contexts that are sometimes unavoidable, themes and causes that achieve adherence and with which people from companies identify.
4. Make the benefits tangible
It highlights the increase in the sense of belonging, the improvement in internal communication and the development of new skills, as well as the contribution to social and environmental change. Choose causes that represent the most people.
5. Learn from mistakes
Avoid the circumstantial and fashionable approach, and develop a methodology that includes analysis, design, implementation, evaluation and control to achieve tangible results.
6. Find inner balance
Consider the workload of the staff and make sure that the results are strong, measurable and demonstrable to avoid frustration.
7. Promotes “internal ecology”
Build a work philosophy consistent with the mission and values of the company and make sure it is sustainable and internally responsible.
8. Apply volunteer training
It organizes workshops, training sessions and awareness days on each project to guarantee the success of the joint action.
9. Avoid transforming it into marketing actions
Volunteering is noble from its genesis. While communication is great, excessive corporate self-hype makes people doubt your actions.
10. Measure the results and communicate them internally
In addition to the strategy and implementation, it is essential to have indicators that allow measuring the impact of the actions. This will allow them not to remain as charities or sporadic interventions, but will produce a return on the effort and investment that needs to be measured in a tangible way.
There is a very popular phrase that sums up the spirit of volunteering and service to others:
“Lots of little people, in little places, doing little things, can change the world.”
It is attributed to the writer Eduardo Galeano, although others assign it to Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Be that as it may, it describes in a very good way what we can achieve together from small strategic actions sustained over time.
Daniel Colombo Facilitator and Executive Master Coach specialized in senior management, professionals and teams; mentor and professional communicator; international speaker; author of 31 books. LinkedIn Top Voice Latin America. ICF certified; Certified Coach and Member of the John Maxwell Team.