Charity while you work

Voluntary schemes helps motivate staff

Volunteering is now becoming big business - and you no longer have to take a year off work to do it.

Employers are starting to see the advantages of encouraging staff to work in the local community.

I get a sense of achievement and when I leave I'm even more buzzing to get back to work

Leo Newell

Many businesses have realised that giving money is not the only answer and are beginning to give staff the time and support needed to facilitate the practice of voluntary working.

Leo Newell is one of many employees at the company Cap Gemini Ernst and Young who volunteer to work in the community.

Softer skills

She is taking part in a scheme entitled "Time to Read" which has been set up to help children gain confidence in literacy.

The advantages for Leo is that it develops her so called "softer skills" - such as listening and negotiating.

Businesses can join schemes that contribute to the local community.

"It is the most enjoyable part of my week," explains Leo.

"It is something different from the office life and I really enjoy working with children. I get a sense of achievement and when I leave I'm even more buzzing to get back to work."

It is this partnership that is the essence of Business in the Community, a charity which helps businesses in corporate social responsibility.

Business in the Community

More than ever companies are realising the great potential of letting employees volunteer in the community, whether it is in a school or elsewhere.

It not only aids staff retention but also develops those interpersonal skills that businesses are so keen to encourage.

Cap Gemini Ernst and Young is one of 650 companies that are members of Business in the Community.

The organisation has numerous community schemes that suit different employees' needs. They say that is the key to success.

Without exception, people come back from their session feeling energetic and if the programme only persuaded one key person to stay who might leave, it would pay for itself ten times ove

Cally Ware

"It fits in to our corporate culture because people are very important to us, motivation and retention of staff is very important to us," says Cally Ware from Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.

"Without exception, people come back from their session feeling energetic and if the programme only persuaded one key person to stay who might leave, it would pay for itself ten times over."

But it is the benefit to the wider community that can help give businesses their competitive edge.

"The impact of volunteering activity is the impact in the community," suggests Peter Davis from Business in the Community.

"Building the skill base, building the education base, improving the competitiveness of that local community for business success in the future."

It is this impact that will drive companies to look at opportunities on their own doorstep and put community at the core of their strategy.