How Will My Workplace Benefit

How will my workplace benefit from participating?

Studies show that company volunteering can bolster team spirit among participating employees, increase company morale, increase exposure in the community, and build a greater understanding of how committing time and money will make a difference. You will build relationships with local organizations, learn more about the issues affecting people in your community, and promote volunteerism within your workplace.

Day of Caring will strengthen community relationships and corporate visibility.

Studies show that people are increasingly looking to companies to "give something back" to their local communities. Volunteerism is one highly visible means of doing so. In a 1998 survey by Hill and Knowlton and Yankelovich Partners, 37 percent of Americans said "volunteering employees to help" was the "most impressive" company philanthropic activity.

"Our volunteer programs help make us visible in the community, which improves our overall image to clients or potential clients."²

Participating in a service day will enhance team spirit and employee morale.

Encouraging teams of employees within the same department to participate in off-site volunteer projects together can foster teamwork and a shared sense of working to benefit others.¹ In addition, Day of Caring is an opportunity to work cross-departmentally or with other companies.

"I have been able to bond and make some really close friends with the people I work with. We share the same values, and that makes working together that much nicer."²

Company participation in volunteer activities helps to recruit and retain employees.

Studies have shown that companies that participate in service days or more formal volunteer programs are likely to have lower turnover rates because employees see community service as an attractive company benefit.

"Offering this time off helps us attract the type of community-minded employees that we want working here. And those people tend to remain with us once they join."²

Participation in United Way�s Day of Caring facilitates a greater understanding of how committing time and money makes a difference in our community.

1 Business for Social Responsibility, www.bsr.org/resourcecenter
2 Koss-Feder, Laura. Time Magazine. "The Good Works Perk." May 11, 2001.

If you have any further questions, please email Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109.