November 18, 2024
In today’s corporate landscape, volunteer programs are an increasingly valued component of company culture, known for fostering employee engagement and strengthening connections within both the organization and the community.
For many companies, Volunteer Time Off (VTO) represents a formal commitment to the greater good, allowing employees to use their paid time off program to make a positive impact by supporting various nonprofit organizations and charitable organizations of their choice.
Policies vary, but each organization typically offers volunteer hours ranging from 8 to 40+ per year, encouraging employees to actively participate in volunteer activities and gain volunteer experience. Keep in mind that VTO can also mean Voluntary Time Off, which has different rules from Volunteer Time Off, including being unpaid.
The benefits of volunteering go beyond a simple “feel good” factor. Studies show that those who volunteer report increased health and lower stress levels. For example, research by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that people who volunteer spend fewer nights in the hospital and experience lower mortality rates. Volunteers of all ages enjoy greater stamina, improved mental health, and a sense of fulfillment, proving that volunteer activities can offer more than just temporary satisfaction—they also contribute to long-term wellness.
Interestingly enough, while many people say the biggest obstacle to volunteering is a lack of time, published research in Psychological Science demonstrated that when people gave their time to causes they cared about, they actually perceived they had more free time. So while it may seem counterintuitive, when you donate your time toward something that matters to you and that energizes you, you’ll pay yourself back with the perception of having more time overall.
In addition to personal benefits, volunteering promotes social connections, creating an opportunity for volunteers to expand their skills and develop new friendships. Participating in volunteer programs allows employees to foster social skills while working on meaningful projects with others, making volunteer hours a platform for building genuine connections. And from an organization’s perspective, employee engagement through volunteering contributes to a stronger, more cohesive company culture.
For employees looking to transition to a new field or grow in their careers, volunteer opportunities provide a powerful way to gain new skills and add valuable volunteer experience to their resumes. The commitment to helping a charitable organization in one’s volunteer time reflects dedication and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued in any organization. Furthermore, volunteering builds leadership qualities by allowing volunteers to sharpen essential skills like project planning, communication, and organization—all of which are easily transferable to the workplace.
The chance to make a difference in one’s community is a powerful motivator. Whether assisting a nonprofit organization in your city or supporting causes overseas, volunteer programs foster understanding and compassion, expanding perspectives and reinforcing our shared humanity. Many organizations also see the long-term value in volunteer programs that align with company values, as these initiatives often leave a lasting positive impact on employees’ lives and the community alike. For example, partnering with nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity gives volunteers the chance to create a legacy that will benefit future generations, making every hour of volunteering a meaningful investment.
Implementing a VTO policy is one of the most effective ways for employers to boost employee engagement and foster a sense of pride within the company. Many companies report that volunteer activities reduce employee turnover, increase productivity, and enhance the company’s reputation as a socially responsible organization. A 2023 LinkedIn survey found that companies with active volunteer programs experienced a 52% reduction in turnover among new employees. To establish or improve a volunteer time program, organizations should decide on annual volunteer hours limits, provide a clear process for employees to follow, and select reputable nonprofit organizations aligned with the organization’s core values.
When it comes to choosing policy details, you’ll need to decide what works best with your organization’s resources, advises Laura Handrick, owner of HR advisory firm Laura H Consulting, LLC. “A smaller firm might let employees take one day of VTO a year to volunteer at a food bank, spend a day cleaning up a beach or highway, or teach a class at a domestic violence shelter,” Handrick said. “Larger firms might choose to offer larger blocks of VTO. For example, a firm might give employees up to five days of VTO a year to assist with local Habitat for Humanity builds.”
By promoting volunteer opportunities during onboarding and through company-sponsored events, organizations can ensure that the commitment to volunteering is well communicated across all levels of the company.
How can you volunteer your time? Houston is a city of active volunteers. Between 2012 and 2020, at least 50% of residents in the three-county area had volunteered at least once in the last 12 months, according to the Kinder Houston Area Survey. Opportunities are everywhere – try not to get overwhelmed. Consider your interests, goals, and time commitment.
For those interested, local charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity offer flexible ways to give back, including working alongside future homeowners, supporting community garden projects, and helping staff ReStores. No specific skills are required—just a passion to make a positive impact. Got questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Looking towards a bigger goal? Join Houston Habitat’s Core Volunteer program or one of our upcoming Global Village trips here.
For those unable to commit time to volunteering at the moment, financial contributions are also a valuable way to support nonprofit organizations. Recurring monthly donations are an easy way to give without a big hit to your wallet.
Many companies offer matching gift programs, doubling the impact of individual donations. Many non-profits list company matching programs on their website or you can contact your company’s Human Resources Department for more details.
Some companies will even automatically donate a portion of your purchase directly to a designated non-profit. For example, Kroger and Walmart.com will donate a portion of your purchase to Houston Habitat for Humanity. When shopping at Kroger, link your Kroger Plus Card to Houston Habitat by visiting www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com and entering organization ID #80051. When shopping on Walmart.com, round up your change and donate it to Houston Habitat through their “Spark Good” program.
Further options include stock donating, memorial gifting, donation of a car, truck, boat or RV, and incorporating the non-profit into your estate planning. Remember a gift of any size will have a positive impact on the organization.
Whether through volunteer hours or donations, every contribution to charitable organizations like Houston Habitat for Humanity helps strengthen the community.
By participating in volunteer activities and embracing a commitment to community service everyone benefits. Whether you’re motivated by personal passion, professional growth, or the desire to make a difference, the power of volunteering truly extends far beyond the volunteer experience itself.
