George Elisseou, director , HR at Ford India on how employee volunteerism has emerged as a powerful tool in creating a motivated workforce
Q WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ABOUT EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERISM?
Employee volunteerism programmes are an integral component of how a company engages, not only with the community, but with its own employees. Besides fostering the spirit of giving, such programmes help employees understand company’s commitment to communities that they live and work with.Today, employee volunteerism has emerged as a powerful tool in creating a motivated workforce.
Q HOW DOES EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERISM AFFECT THE CORPORATE IMAGE?
Employees are ambassadors and play a crucial role in building the brand that they represent.With the right support and encouragement, motivated employees, thanks to their engagement in volunteering programmes, go a long way in building a powerful brand. As Henry Ford once said, “a company that makes only money is a poor business.“Studies have proved that a good reputation, backed by good actions, can impact the company’s financial performance.
Q THE CONCEPT OF EM PLOYEE VOLUNTEERISM COMES FROM EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION, HOW DOES IT BENEFIT THE EMPLOYEE? COMPANIES THAT SUPPORT EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING ARE MORE LIKELY TO RETAIN QUALITY TALENT. DO YOU AGREE?
A dynamically structured volunteer programme elevates volunteering from a mere one-way transaction between employee and community into a larger, transformational experience for the employees. An effective workplace-giving programme also builds stronger relationships with colleagues, and feelings of pride and positivity toward an employer which leads to a continued long-term association with an organisation.
Q HOW DOES EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERISM HELP BUILD GOOD LEADERS?
Volunteer programmes are crucial opportunities for employees to either hone their skills or acquire new ones right from stepping out of their comfort zone, to engage in an activity that is new to them. Involving employees across volunteering programmes help instil skills, which can help them grow as leaders. In fact, one would be surprised how leaders can emerge in such communityservice related programmes and exercises. Volunteering also helps employees develop a sense of intuition and empathy, which are important from a leadership perspective.
Q ACCORDING TO YOU, IS THERE ANY WAY THAT COULD MEASURE THE IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING TODAY?
Corporates must define the goal that the project is intended to achieve.This can be evaluated both, from a qualitative and quantitative social impact and employee engagement perspective.The impact of employee volunteerism programmes can be directly linked and measured to employee satisfaction.
Original Source: Times of India