Employee disengagement can prevent a business from achieving its goals. In 2011, a survey revealed that over 70% of Americans are not engaged in their work. This issue is very alarming and can negatively affect a company’s operations.
According to a study conducted by the Gallup organization, businesses with a high employee engagement rate have a 3.9 times higher earnings per share growth rate than those with low levels of engagement. In addition, many companies consider employee disengagement to be one of the top threats to their operations. However, there is good news: Volunteer programs can help boost employee engagement.
Aside from being beneficial for employee engagement, volunteer programs can also help boost a company’s other operations. These include improving the company’s culture and increasing its sales. Here are some areas where a company can benefit from implementing an employee volunteer program.
Retention
A culture that values employees’ work and the company they work for can help keep them engaged. In 2004, a study revealed that businesses could reduce the number of employees who resign by up to 87 percent by implementing effective employee engagement programs.
This approach can also help a company save money on the cost of replacing an employee. It can be estimated that the replacement cost could be as high as three times an employee’s annual salary.
Recruitment
One of the most critical factors that a company should consider when it comes to hiring and retaining the best talent is the availability of qualified individuals. Having a volunteer program can help boost a company’s recruitment efforts.
Purpose
A volunteer program can also help boost a company’s employee commitment. It can allow them to feel that their work is contributing to the company’s success and helping out a worthy cause. This type of purpose can help boost a company’s morale and increase its productivity.
Skills
A volunteer program can also help employees develop their skills and improve their job performance. According to experts, volunteering can help individuals develop their leadership abilities. It can additionally help them build their problem-solving and communication skills.
The positive effects of corporate volunteerism can be seen in its impact on the company, its employees, and the charity or cause associated with the program. For instance, if a company is focused on social responsibility, it can attract more employees who are more likely to volunteer.