Employer Supported Volunteerism Survey
The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington is interested to know how people in our community volunteer and the ways in which their employers support, or would consider supporting them. The results from this survey will be used to inform the Volunteer Centre’s work with our community's employers.
The survey should only take 10-15 minutes of your time and is completely confidential. The survey is best completed by someone who has knowledge of your company's human resources.
To complete the survey, click here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SX555ZB.
If you have any questions about this survey, or the work of the Volunteer Centre, contact Christine Oldfield at 519-822-0912 ext. 222 or coldfield@volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca
Time To Give Champions
Welcome Skyline! and thank you for taking the Time To Give Challenge
In August of this year Skyline became an employer member of the Volunteer Centre and pledged to take the ‘Time To Give Challenge’. On August 26th they launched their official volunteer program with opening remarks from the Volunteer Centre’s own Cathy Taylor, "We are thrilled that Skyline is playing a leadership role in our community by taking the Time to Give Challenge! I can’t stress enough how important supporting employees to volunteer is to our community. Welcome, Skyline.”
A bit about the company… Skyline is a real estate investment, development and property management company based in Guelph. Skyline is proud to own and operate 10 properties and provide housing for nearly 400 families in the city of Guelph alone. Skyline is a company whose roots are set in and whose success is built upon strong communities, especially in their hometown of Guelph.
The following are comments from an interview with Roy Jason Ashdown, Chief Operating Officer of Skyline
Volunteer Centre: What was the original motivation for Skyline to create an employer supported volunteerism program/policy?
Roy: Through the evolution and growth of Skyline, the founders realized very early on that the communities in which Skyline operates are the true backbone of our corporate existence and continued success. Skyline firmly believes in supporting the communities in which we exist. We exercise this commitment through the buildings that we manage, the charities we support, and the example that we set as a community partner, a corporate leader and as individuals. Skyline’s corporate and personal philosophies demand that as a company, but most importantly as employees and community ambassadors, that the bar continuously be raised to set new standards for giving back and getting involved.
It is through small and sincere actions that we, as a responsible organization, can make a difference in the lives of our residents, staff and the many people in our communities.
To view the whole interview, click here.
Time to Give Champions- see who has taken the Challenge and joined the Volunteer Centre as Employer Members!
What is Employer Supported Volunteerism?
Employer Supported Volunteerism is defined as: employees who perform work in the community with some form of support and/or encouragement from their employer. (Source: Volunteer Canada, 2004).
The benefits to businesses who chose to support the volunteerism of their employees is threefold:
The Time To Give Challenge is an initiative developed by the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington to encourage employers to promote volunteerism among their employees. By taking the “Time to Give Challenge”, employers (of any size or sector!) register with the Volunteer Centre and receive an employer toolkit. This includes: a primer, promotional materials, volunteer referrals, and training and consultation on setting up an employee volunteer program. We are encouraging employers to: Lead by Example. Make a commitment. Start a revolution.
To apply, download our Time to Give Challenge brochure to learn more about how local businesses can be a part of this exciting new program.
employer supported volunteerism
Employer benefits
- Enhances company’s public image
- Builds goodwill within the community
- Improves relations with the community
- Increases the level of productivity
- Lowers employee absenteeism
- Greater attractiveness to prospective employees
- Increases employee morale and loyalty
- Satisfaction that carries over to work atmosphere
- Increases business investment
- Gains a competitive edge
- Provides a team building opportunity
Employee benefits
- Positive involvement in the community
- Networking possibilities
- Connection to the community
- Share your skills
- Meet new people
- Gain new skills
- Personal growth
- Enhanced job satisfaction
- Enhanced feeling of self esteem and self worth
- Feeling part of a team
Community benefits
- Increases the number of skilled volunteers
- Breaks down social barriers
- Improves social and economic problems
- Increases opportunities for financial support
- Creates greater people power
- Improves the environment
- Encourages a sense of community
- Educates the public about the value and needs of the non-profit sector
- Increases the quality and quantity of volunteers in the community
The Volunteer Centre has further information on the benefits of an employee volunteer program, sample policies and procedures, success stories, frequently asked questions, tips, and additional resources for your interest. Contact us!