Background
According to AmeriCorps, 34.7 percent of Iowans volunteer. The Employer Volunteer Initiative is a targeted effort by Volunteer Iowa to increase that number through engagement with employers. We want to work with businesses to support employee volunteer programs and recognize employers already making a difference in Iowa.
Why Should Employees Volunteer?
Here’s what we know. We know that people are more likely to volunteer when asked. We know that it’s most effective to meet people where they already are to make that ask. From an engagement perspective, places of employment are perfect environments to encourage and support volunteering.Volunteering not only has a significant impact on meeting community needs, it also has an impact on business’ bottom line.
From a business perspective, employer supported volunteering leads to improved employee engagement, organizational commitment, job satisfaction and retention (MGSM, 2013). Those are outcomes an employer should pay attention to. In an economy with 5.5% unemployment, employees have more options. The Volunteer IMPACT Survey published by Deloitte shows that “78% of employees would rather work for an ethical and reputable company than receive a higher salary, so companies have a vested interest in building a corporate volunteerism program that works” (jkgroup, 2015).
How can Employers Participate?
- Register, participate, and promote the Give Back Iowa Challenge. Join our e-mail list to make sure you don't miss the announcement about the Challenge.
- Encourage employees to volunteer; it's easy to find volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Iowa Portal.
- Submit a nomination to highlight the accomplishments of an employee volunteer program that is making a difference in Iowa communities.
- Start an Employer Volunteer Program. Visit our resources page for information.
- Share information about the Give Back Iowa Challenge with others.
- Connect with your local Business Volunteer Council or Workplace Volunteer Council. Current active councils in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines, and Cedar Falls/Waterloo.
- Invite a local volunteer center to speak your groups and associations.