Five reasons to “Step Up” to employee volunteering

by Sally Miles - Corporate Partnerships, Clean Up Australia

1. Promote wellbeing

We’ve all had some of the biggest wellbeing challenges of our lives recently, and the best workplaces are those which take some responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees. According to the New Economic Foundation and the UK’s Foresight Commission, there are five ‘Ways to Wellbeing’ in the workplace. These are: Connect (promoting team connection), Keep Learning (seeking out new experiences), Be Active (physical activity), Give (volunteering, acts of kindness) and Take Notice (paying attention to the present moment). By getting out in nature and taking action for a good cause, your organisation can truly combine all five of these Ways to Wellbeing at the one time.

2. Strengthen Connections

For teams to function well, people need to know each other. And for those of us who have spent an inordinate amount of time on video calls this past year, we know that much of the human connection is lost when you’re head is boxed-in on a screen. The social nuances of human-to-human interaction are often missed in the digital realm. For people who have been recruited during covid, they may not have even had the chance to meet their co-workers yet. By getting together, as pairs, small groups or whatever is covid-friendly and manageable, people have a better chance of creating the social bonds required for team cohesion.

3. Make a tangible difference

A wonderful aspect of volunteering with a team is that you can make a significant and often visible difference. Even for those most reluctant, participating in an activity and seeing the difference being made often spurs enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction. Whether it’s collectively across many locations, or a concentrated effort in one area, there is power in measuring tangible impacts of volunteering efforts. If your activity can be defined by outcomes – environmentally, socially, culturally or economically, consider capturing these through data, quotes, interviews, videos and images. You can also ask your chosen charity or cause for any research around the impacts of your contribution. This demonstrates exactly what your volunteering efforts look like and allows you tell the story of why it matters.

4. Leverage a little effort for big returns

Now you have your volunteering story, you are able to share this as far and wide as you like. This may not be as important to some as it is to others, but even just one day or a week of action can resonate across your organisation year-round. Look to leverage your efforts by publishing your story in annual reports, social channels and even information to recruitment prospects. Done well enough, staff volunteering days or workplace giving programs can enhance public perception and boost internal regard for the organisation.

You can also involve your suppliers, customers and other stakeholders in your activities. This can include connecting with the local communities where your company has a presence. What better way to solidify relationships than through shared experiences.

5. Have a bit of fun

You can ensure staff volunteering includes a bit of fun, and also tailor experiences to suit your company culture. Some organisations like to divide into teams (by location, department etc.) and play up a bit of friendly competition through both results on the day, and staff awards. Some make fun team names, order merchandise and create playful internal communications. It’s up to you how much fun you put into your volunteering experiences. Aside from boosting team morale, a bit of fun can go a long way at the moment!

Is your team ready to step up?

Registrations are now open for Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday 2 March 2021.

Register a site and your organisation will be eligible to enter a competition to WIN one of two TerraCycle Zero Waste Recycling Box Packs (valued at over $450 each).  Find out more here.

Share your pledge using the hashtags #CleanUpAustralia #StepUpToCleanUp