This past May, Teak held its first-ever volunteer day at the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Boston Nature Center. We spent the day learning about the property and the amazing programming that they do, while clearing up brush and cutting down dead trees and branches. The day allowed us to work as a team outside of the workplace, have fun and help our community all at the same time.
A few days after our volunteer day, our fellow B Corp member Benevity released a new report highlighting that turnover dropped by an average of 57 percent in the employee group most deeply connected to their companies’ giving and volunteering efforts. According to Bryan de Lottinville, Benevity Founder and CEO, “This is a revealing study that arms leaders with data that proves the value of their social impact initiatives for their company’s HR and broader corporate goals.”
This study is the next step in corporate social responsibility as it shows that employees want to feel that they are having the same impact in the company they work for as consumers do when buying a product or supporting a cause.
It’s time to allow your employees to feel empowered to give back to the community. When planning your corporate volunteer day, it is important to get feedback from your team on where they may want to volunteer – there is nothing worse than planning a fun activity and no one wants to be there. Additionally, keep in mind some nonprofits require a donation to volunteer so do your research before booking. Lastly, keep weather in mind. If you plan an outdoor activity, make sure you have a backup date or plan in mind.
Here are some nonprofits that offer volunteer opportunities for small to large groups:
Cradles to Crayons, located in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, invites volunteers to help in The Giving Factory Warehouse. The volunteer shift involves hands-on processing of the children’s items that are donated to them on a regular basis. Each station in its warehouse includes inspecting, sorting, and packaging donations so that they are ready for distribution to the children they serve.
The Greater Boston Food Bank is one of the state’s largest volunteer programs hosting more than 24,000 volunteers a year. Volunteers help sort, pack, label, and distribute food to hungry families across Eastern Massachusetts.
Habitat for Humanity works in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. It has helped more than 13 million people achieve strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter. The organization offers opportunities for businesses to support their construction teams and partner families to help construct a Habitat house.
Mass Audubon has more than 50 wildlife sanctuaries across the state and offers volunteer opportunities for small business to schools to civic organizations. Groups can participate in various outdoor projects from building turtle and/or butterfly gardens to maintaining trails and repairing boardwalks.
Happy Volunteering!
