What if human resource managers encouraged employees to leave work for an hour, take a long lunch, or come in late? With employees participating in volunteer programs like Junior Achievement, such a directive would not only be acceptable; it would generate numerous benefits for the company.
The recession left many businesses reeling and unable to financially contribute to charities as they had in the past. While economic conditions are improving, there are still many obstacles preventing businesses from connecting with their neighbors as they once had. Forging community recognition, however, is fortunately not limited to monetary donations. Employee Volunteer Programs (EVPs) allow companies to share a different resource—the human kind. By donating their own staff, businesses can again reach out and make a difference in their hometowns.
Employer-supported volunteering makes a direct impact on everyone involved. With a program such as Junior Achievement, employers send their employees into local classrooms to teach five or six, approximately forty-five minute long interactive financial literacy sessions to children in grades K-12. While the students learn valuable life skills and discover role models for their future ambitions, the volunteering employees receive the sense of satisfaction from sharing their knowledge with the future generation, and employers reap benefits in the form of happier employees, and public recognition. By placing employees in volunteering positions, H.R. managers are poised to market their business in an effective, positive manner, and give back to the community that supports them.
No longer does a down economy mean the end of a business’ involvement with its neighbors. In just a few volunteer hours per employee, per year, a company can see a multifaceted return on its manpower investment. The path of service is wide, and even the smallest of companies can make a huge difference by sending its employees to work—in the community.
Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore is committed to giving young people in all communities the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Through its hands-on, age-appropriate programs Junior Achievement inspires our youth to live within their means, prepare for the world of work, and understand the free enterprise system. Today, JA reaches four million students per year in more than 120 markets across the United States, with an additional six million students served by operations in 119 other countries worldwide. Through enthusiastic volunteers and charitable donations from individuals and businesses, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore continues its mission to making a difference in our future communities today. For more information email JAES at info@easternshoreja.org, phone at 410.742.8112, or log on to www.ja.org for program details.
