Guest Column: Lynne M. Harper
Does the company you work for – or the one you manage – have an employee volunteer program (EVP)? That is, does it have a planned, managed effort to motivate and enable employees to effectively volunteer in Rhode Island? If not, then your company is behind the curve and missing a chance to meet its goals for success.
An executive survey of the Points of Light Foundation (POLF) & Volunteer Center National Network (VCNN) (now known as Points of Light Hands On Network), reports that nearly 70 percent of top U.S. companies have an employee volunteer program.
EVPs can provide employees the opportunity, often on paid time, to clean up litter, collect and distribute food to the hungry, build houses for the poor and displaced, coordinate and assist at athletic competitions for the physically challenged or teach children with learning disabilities how to read. More recently, a Summit on Corporate Volunteerism convened in New York City in early February of this year and focused on taking that concept one step further – encouraging employees to use their professional skills in volunteer work.
“Rhode Island’s work force is very talented, and when companies engage them in volunteer service with local nonprofits exciting things happen,” says Janice Pothier Pac, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island.
With so many of the state’s nonprofit and social service agencies facing increasing challenges meeting the needs of the community, the benefits of having companies willing to donate the services of their highly skilled people is obvious.
Surprisingly though, the benefits that a business can realize are even greater. First, it helps establish an account of good will that enhances your company’s reputation. Other benefits include:
• Improved employee morale, commitment and productivity.
• Reduced absenteeism and tardiness among staff.
• Cost-effective leadership training, team- and skill-building tool.
• Reinforced ties to the community in which business is being done.
The POLF/VCNN study suggests that the trend toward greater corporate civic responsibility is seen in leading companies in all industries and in all regions of the country. Nearly three out of four of the Fortune 1000 companies have EVPs, leading the way for smaller businesses.
Here in Rhode Island both large corporations and smaller family-owned business are following the trends and setting examples.
The Washington Trust Co. received national recognition for its employee volunteer program at the annual conference on Volunteering and Service held in Washington, D.C., in 2005 and was honored locally by the Volunteer Center of R.I. Exemplifying the model of a good employee volunteer program by matching the needs of the company and its employees, as well as the community, throughout its 207- year history, Washington Trust has exhibited its commitment to the communities it serves by providing assistance to those in need through both financial and voluntary contributions.
Employees are encouraged to give back through such programs as “Reach for the Stars,” “Care Days” and the annual Peanut Butter Drive, which supports the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (this year the bank collected a little more than 13 tons of peanut butter for the food bank).
Koch Eye Associates, a leader in eye care services throughout Rhode Island, also leads by example in the community with its long history of volunteerism. “I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to be actively involved in community projects and encourage my employees to do the same,” said CEO Peter Koch.
One of the most extraordinary benefits of working with Koch Eye Associates is the opportunity to participate in Koch Eye Care Days. This annual event, organized by the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, matches employees with volunteer opportunities in more than 25 nonprofits in the state.
Arpin Van Lines has been “Creating Customers for Life” in Rhode Island for more than 100 years.
Employees stay connected to the community throughout the year by transporting food and gift donations to families during the holidays, participation in monthly “dress down” days for charities, and educating children about the importance of recycling.
If your company does not have an employee volunteering program, do not be too upset; it is easy to get one started. And it is never too late for your company to give back and get connected to the community. •
Lynn M. Harper is the communications director for the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, www.VCRI.org, a Providence-based nonprofit that recruits and trains volunteers for statewide community service.
