There is a tendency among large corporations to sponsor some f volunteer programs, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, they are not directly involved with community groups and yet according to the sociological data there is much benefit to be derived from it.
First, it should be taken into consideration, that corporate volunteer programs usually cover a great number of social issues; therefore, it is quite possible to establish them within the large corporation itself. Moreover, we should say that such phenomena as volunteer programs could be mutually advantageous, not only to the community but also to the company, which is of the utmost importance. On the one hand, the companies may help the community to solve some of its problems and on the other hand, it will be of great use for the company.
Then the question arises, what are the benefits of such programs. First, it should be mentioned, that they create a positive image of the company in the eye of the community. To some extent, it is quite possible to say that it is a free commercial. Naturally, such an argument cannot be overestimated (Wild, p 202).
Moreover, participation in such programs gives a good opportunity to form more flexible and skilled staff. It also helps to improve leadership skills and teamwork. Besides, by means of such programs, the staff can improve its morale and create a friendlier atmosphere, which will also contribute to the productivity, especially if we consider the long-term effects.
It is worth mentioning that employees may find an entirely different application of their skills and knowledge with the help of corporate volunteer programs because as a rule, they are busy with some routine work that gives practically no chance for self-improvement and it comes as no surprise that the employees can be sometimes inclined to do some volunteer jobs.
Now that we have discussed the benefits that the companies can derive from the corporate volunteer programs, we should concentrate attention on the personal level. In other words, what attracts the employee himself to such programs and what can induce him to take part in them without compulsion, because when a person is compelled to do something it is hardly possible that he or she will be able to see any advantages.
First, it is quite possible for us to say that volunteer work creates a sense of unity with other people; an employee feels that he is an inseparable part of the community. Moreover, the sense that you can help other people can be very satisfactory if it is done not under pressure but of one’s own accord.
Besides, volunteer work can elevate the tension that the employee can experience in his workplace relationships. The point is that as a rule an employee always has to meet the deadline; this necessity can make him very nervous and corporate volunteer programs can relieve this inexorable pressure because the atmosphere usually tends to be informal.
Another characteristic feature of volunteer work is that an employee is able to establish closer relationships with his colleagues. It can be ascribed to the less formal attitude of employees to one another. This kind of activity helps him to express himself more fully. Besides, such tasks can make his approach to his duties more creative (Mathew Allen p 123).
Thus, we may arrive at the conclusion that corporate volunteer programs can be of great use to not only the community but also to the company and its employees.
Bibliography
Cathleen Wild.(1993) Corporate Volunteer Programs: Benefits to Business. Conference Board, 1993.
Matthew Allen, Liao-Troth. (2008) Challenges in Volunteer Management. IAP.
Ronald A. Landskroner.(2002) The Nonprofit Manager’s Resource Directory. John Wiley and Sons.
Charles Robert Tremper. Managing Legal Liability and Insurance for Corporate Volunteer Programs. United Way of America.