How can employee volunteer programs improve retention?

While jobs give people livelihood, volunteering may give them purpose. The combination is very satisfying and often employees would want to stay for that satisfaction than just jumping for the next higher pay cheque

Employee volunteer programs can also lead to increased employee engagement, strengthened relationships between colleagues, and a greater sense of purpose at work.

When vision meets goal then automatically employee volunteer program will for sure improve. Ways to improve retention:- 1) alignment in perspective 2) attractive field work 3) feasible rewards 4) highlighting achievements These are few ways you can improve the retention of employees.

Today's generation prefers an organisation which is more socially inclined than just focussed on meeting targets and deadlines. A lot of people I know have joined organisations only because the organization had a volunteering program. This talks about how the change in interests is happening!

Prospective employees are often drawn to organizations with a strong sense of purpose beyond profit. For existing staff, these programs contribute to job satisfaction, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover rates. Overall, such initiatives showcase a company as socially conscious, making it more appealing to both current and potential employees.

Employee volunteer programs open a window for any individual to experience being a volunteer. There are some have fears of being a volunteer or too busy to volunteer. With a company driven volunteer program, the employee would feel safe to volunteer and there might be mindset changes.

I think having volunteering opportunities that give employees the opportunity to pick up new skillsets beyond their usual day job or the autonomy to spearhead initiatives (especially the junior employees) could further entice them to actively volunteer, beyond the the volunteering opportunities being aligned with causes they are most concerned about.

Volunteering brings in diverse experiences which often give exposure to skills which often are not easy to acquire. e.g. Community Management, purpose driven leadership, talking to beneficiaries can give one much needed humility and sense of groundedness which can tremendously help in sales.

In an era where consumers and employees increasingly value companies that contribute to societal well-being, having such programs showcases a commitment to making a positive impact. This alignment with social trends not only enhances the company's reputation but also helps stay relevant and appealing in a market where social and environmental consciousness are influential factors for stakeholders.

Intentionally select volunteer opportunities that align with the values of your company! When volunteer opportunities align with the company's values and culture, employees are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and connection. This alignment reinforces the values of the organization, making the volunteer experience more meaningful.

I have been fortunate to be a part of companies where employees were proud to work there and who really felt part of a team (and sometimes as if "a part of a family of friends)!" It took many things to create companies with this atmosphere such as: (respect for each other when resolving problems or disciplining), (explaining clearly and with respect when someone was not selected for a promotion), (asking employees to participate in making decisions by an open suggestion system where anonymity was protected, and decisions were published), ... and (EVP's do feel privileged to be a face of the firm; out in the community).