Employee Volunteering a Point of Difference In Tight Employment Market

Employers struggling to attract and retain staff in the current employment climate take heart. Focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs might just be the point of difference youíve been looking for this International Volunteer Day.

A recent survey conducted by SEEK, Australiaís leading online employment site, revealed that 84% of Australians claim that working for a company with a CSR program is important to them[i].

According to SEEK Human Relations Director Meahan Callaghan, more and more Australian companies are developing CSR programs that allow staff paid leave during the year to donate their time to charity.

ìEmployers are starting to understand the benefits of allowing their staff time off to volunteer in the community. Itís a great way to create more work/life balance within your organisation and can have a positive influence in the areas of candidate attraction, employee retention and staff satisfaction.

ìIncreasingly people are looking for more in their lives than just work and socialising. They want to contribute to a greater cause and find more balance in their lives and smart employers are helping their staff achieve this goal through volunteering initiatives.î

ìOur own staff at SEEK love having the opportunity to do something worthwhile with their team. The marketing department recently spent the day paving a courtyard at a community services agency, while the admin team spent time at the RSPCA cutting up donated blankets for the animals. The work is rewarding for our team members because weíre providing lasting benefits to our community.î said Ms Callaghan.

SEEK, in conjunction with Volunteering Australia has made it easy for people to find a volunteering opportunity that suits them in terms of location, time and area of interest. Whether you have two hours a week to donate or a one-off day, you can access www.volunteer.com.au (SEEK Volunteer) or www.govolunteer.com.au (GoVolunteer) and narrow your search to these fields.

According To Peter Cocks, National Communications Manager for Volunteering Australia, corporate volunteering is a growth industry.

ìThere is growing awareness in the community about the benefits of CSR, and corporate volunteering is an area that Volunteering Australia particularly encourages. A lot of people out there are willing to help but donít really know how to go about it. SEEK Volunteer is an easy way to source opportunities for workplace volunteering days which can be a great team bonding experience.

ìVolunteering Australia has a range of resources available to assist with a best practice approach to corporate volunteering. We take this opportunity on International Volunteer Day to applaud the contributions of companies who do step up to the challenge of volunteering and encourage other companies to follow their example.î

Visit www.seekvolunteer.com.au and www.volunteeringaustralia.org

SEEKís top three tips for companies who want to involve their staff in charity work:

1. Provide your staff 1-3 days leave with pay per annum to participate in charity work

2. Allow your staff to choose the type of volunteer work they do or alternatively get you staff to vote for one charity organisation the company will work with

3 Recognise the volunteering efforts of your staff through the staff newsletter or intranet.

[i] 2007 SEEK Intelligence Survey of Employee Satisfaction and Motivation