Monthly Well-being Newsletter | April

Monthly Well-Being Newsletter:
Connecting Employees to Community. And Each Other.

In today’s workplace, employees are seeking more than just a paycheck, they want purpose. A structured volunteer and community service program not only benefits the community but also strengthens your organization’s culture, engagement, and reputation.

A Growing Disconnect

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that only 54% of Americans feel connected to their community, compared to 78% average across 24 other countries. Volunteer programs offer employees a way to build meaningful connections while contributing to something larger than themselves.

The Strategic Value of Giving Back

• Boosts Employee Engagement and Retention. Employees who feel connected to a company’s values are more likely to stay. Volunteer programs foster teamwork, empathy, and pride, helping people feel their work contributes to something bigger.
• Strengthens Company Culture. Shared service experiences unite employees across departments and levels, creating opportunities for collaboration outside the day-to-day and reinforcing a sense of belonging.
• Enhances Employer Brand. Companies known for community involvement attract talent. Candidates, especially younger generations, are drawn to employers who demonstrate genuine social responsibility.
• Supports Skill Development. Volunteering helps employees build leadership, communication, and project management skills in a hands-on environment, benefiting both personal and professional growth.
• Makes a Real Community Impact. Beyond workplace benefits, corporate volunteer programs create measurable social good.

Building Your Program

• Implement a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Policy. Allow employees to take time off for volunteering without using PTO or sick time. IMA has created an example VTO form you can use as a template.
• Create a network of “Community Champions.” Designate employees to run volunteer events and charity drives. This group can promote events, highlight successes, and gain project management experience. Be sure to recognize and celebrate their contributions.
• Survey employees. To understand what causes and programs resonate most with your workforce.
• Partner with local organizations. Non-profits are always looking for corporate partners. Long-term relationships make planning easier and create a more profound community impact.
• Track and measure impact. Collect data on participation, volunteer hours, and donations. Sharing your successes reinforces the program’s value and encourages continued participation.

Join Our Upcoming Presentation

Join IMA Whole Health Practice Lead Adam Moret for a presentation designed for HR leaders looking to build a new Community Relations/Volunteerism program or enhance an existing one.

When

April 29, 1:00 PM CT