Pandemic promoted volunteer spirit, study shows
The majority of employees focused on social and community development, and education programmes.
While the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown measures curtailed business operations, corporates had to rely on employee volunteers to carry out citizenship duties.
According to a survey conducted by Trailogue, an employee volunteering platform for good, nine out of 10 employees were willing to volunteer again in the future.
Trialogue director Cathy Duff said the in-person restrictions promoted virtual volunteering.
‘Although many volunteering programmes were put on hold during the first year of the pandemic – which led to some drop-off in interest in volunteering – virtual volunteering undoubtedly helped many employees to stay connected and experience a shared sense of purpose at a time of crisis.
‘Almost one-fifth of companies introduced new online volunteering programmes, and 28% of companies shifted their existing programmes online,’ said Duff.
The majority of employees focused on social and community development, and education programmes. According to the survey, 56% of employees said they would like to be involved in manual labour for NPOs.
‘This means there is a mismatch between what volunteers would like to be involved in and what they actually do,’ said Duff.
‘Gaining insight into why employees volunteer, and which causes they support, helps companies to design fit-for-purpose employee volunteer programmes that inspire and motivate staff.’
