Companies are paying employees to do charitable work

Organisations across sectors are allowing their employees to take paid time off and volunteer for organisations in the social sector that are doing charity work. Startups that connect volunteers to NGOs are facilitating this emerging trend.

Corporates are waking up to the fact that engaging in charitable work can be truly refreshing and serve as a source of happiness and fulfilment for employees. This can lead to better performance at work and a better brand recognition for the company itself.

Moreover, when workers participate in such activities, there is a steep learning curve. They learn as much as they give. People can learn a lot by working with diverse groups and achieving tough targets with budget constraints. Last year, Nestle introduced an initiative where it paid 10 employees to participate in a month-long volunteering programme. Some of the well-known companies, including Tata and Godrej, have already put such systems in place.

There are different kinds of volunteering. The first can involve taking up common initiatives, such as cleaning up the beach and the streets, or planting trees. The second type is where people apply their skills in project-based activities. For instance, an experienced project manager may volunteer to help out with a specific campaign.

Third is where senior management executives offer consultation and advice on how to achieve targets and teach the staff about management techniques.

Due to the aspirational element of doing something good and contributing to the society, companies have taken the initiative to introduce formal volunteering programmes within organisations. Engaged employees become motivated employees and contribute better, both towards the company and the society.