Employer-supported volunteering has a host of benefits for the individual staff members, including:
- Development of new skills through knowledge sharing
- The opportunity to enhance existing professional skills and gain further experience by using them in a new area or in a different way
- Improved self-confidence through advising and supporting others
- If they also choose to become a trustee, there may be an opportunity to be involved in the strategic management of an organisation
Personal and professional development areas to consider:
- Hands on mentoring and coaching experience
- The opportunity to satisfy specific development competencies, which may be unavailable elsewhere
- The opportunity to build and improve management and leadership skills
- Work creatively and innovatively, by adapting existing skills and knowledge to different cultural and organisational requirements
The knock on effects for your organisation as a whole could be incredibly valuable, such as:
- Improved experience, skills and knowledge base, leading to innovative thinking and stronger management/leadership
- Opportunity to enhance corporate social responsibility and give something back to the community
- Increased staff satisfaction, loyalty and engagement which can impact productivity
- Enrich your organisations reputation through external recognition as a leader in staff development and cooperation
- Providing added value to existing and potential clients and employees can set you apart from the rest
"The Small Charities Coalition provides a real win win opportunity. Small charities get access to information, advice, and expertise; while our staff get a chance to see what its like for small charities with less resources while developing their ideas and understanding. This is a real staff development opportunity that gives us a chance to do something for others." Kevin Geeson, Group Director of Resources, RNIB
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