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With the increased pressures the weak economy has put on businesses, human resource departments may not be paying as much attention as they have been to organizing volunteer programs.

Yet these kinds of programs have become even more important. Workers are looking to find ways to contribute their time and talents for a good cause, so these programs not only enhance worker morale, they also help them hone their skills and give them the opportunity to develop new ones.

Surveys have shown that recent college graduates are looking for ways to get involved in community service through their employers. In fact, surveys show that an employer’s commitment to community service has a big impact for younger workers on where they choose to work.

There are all types of volunteer services programs, ranging from stints that last just one day to extended oversees activities, where the employees may even go to a developing country. At one company, for example, workers can sign up for a number of different activities during the workday. They include such things as sorting library books at a school in a poor neighborhood, planting flowers in a city park, helping out with getting clothing and other donations, and coaching people on how to do job interviews, as well as helping to prepare lunch at a soup kitchen.

Employees loved the program and even established connections with other people at the company they had not known before. The volunteer program began with just a few departments but has since grown to include the entire business, and more than half of the employees take part.

Some larger companies also sponsor volunteer work oversees, in such places as Brazil, Vietnam and Ghana. Not only do these programs give employees opportunities to develop new skills, they also give the companies a chance to check out possible new markets. Moreover, they can even help employees with career advancement.

Other companies send workers to Central and South America for about three months. They do the same work as at their companies, only at much smaller operations.

So, volunteer opportunities through the workplace offer a lot more than just helping employees feel good. They also help keep workers happy, act as opportunities to develop leadership skills and also scout new business markets.

Winston Resources has been helping New York City’s companies find temporary and direct-hire employees for going on 45 years. We look forward to serving Manhattan’s finest companies for another 45 (and more) years. Contact us today!


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