Giving back to the community is an important way to be involved, do good and help others in need. In the workplace, volunteering as a team is a powerful way to bond together, strengthen relationships and have some fun!
While your coworkers may want to find ways to make a difference, finding the time to volunteer can be a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to encourage your team to get involved. If your company offers PTO for volunteering, take advantage of this benefit and make it a team outing where you can work side-by-side, and extend the fun by getting lunch or dinner afterward!
Seven Ways to Encourage Volunteering Among Coworkers
Here are seven ways you can motivate your team members to volunteer.
1. Partner with local organizations
Collaborating with local organizations that are aligned with the company’s mission and values will encourage employees to get involved. Invite guest speakers to share their stories and discuss volunteer opportunities that are easily accessible in the area. When coworkers see how they can make a difference, they will likely want to participate.
2. Organize a volunteer event
Use the opportunity to organize an event for your coworkers and make it a group activity! You could create a company-wide day of service, a team outing to bond, or even a department volunteer challenge to get everyone interested. This way, volunteering becomes fun and more accessible.
3. Offer incentives and recognition
People like to be recognized. Offering incentives such as time off for volunteering efforts, company-sponsored donations and shoutouts in meetings or newsletters are all ways to pique interest and encourage people to get involved. Celebrating employee volunteer efforts creates a culture where giving back is valued, which in turn motivates employees and builds engagement.
4. Make it easy and fun!
Compiling a list of local volunteer opportunities and creating events where people can get easily involved will help make it easy for employees to participate. Finding charities that align with coworkers’ interests and values is another way to make these opportunities easily accessible and fun to attend.
5. Foster a culture of giving
Giving back to the community can become an important part of your workplace culture. Leadership can support volunteer initiatives and integrate social responsibility into overall company goals. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making a big impact on others who are in need. Plus, it builds team spirit and strengthens employee engagement over the long term.
6. Align opportunities with skills and interests
People will be more motivated if they are passionate about what and who they are giving back to. Learn more about your coworkers’ values and outside interests and encourage them to choose volunteer opportunities that align. This could also include using their skills such as tutoring students, helping with marketing for a non-profit, or providing free consulting services.
7. Lead by example
People are inspired by their leaders– you need to show them how you volunteer and share how you have been able to make an impact by talking about your experiences. Highlight the benefits of giving back and the multiple ways you can do so whether it’s a charity run, packing food boxes, or donating items to students in need. Show your enthusiasm and inspire others to follow suit.
