Employee volunteer programs have emerged as an important component of the American workplace, according to a report released by Volunteers of America and The Center for Corporate Citizenship based on 1,000 retired and active workers and 22 companies.
Volunteering through worksite programs could help older adults stay engaged, transition between paid and unpaid work, contribute to the community and form a bridge of experience to younger workers. However, managers do not have enough interest or knowledge of how to retain retirees as part of corporate volunteerism.
Companies most frequently provided an intranet website of volunteer opportunities (86%) and 57% provided access to retirees. Many companies (77%) donated to the organizations where employees volunteer, and 44% included retirees. All the companies had group volunteer projects and 45% involved retirees.
Time is the biggest barrier to volunteering, but 72% of employees and retirees indicated interest in volunteer activities through the workplace in retirement. Employees and retirees (88%) agreed that companies should let them know more about volunteer opportunities, and 72% said workshops on volunteering would increase their likelihood of participation.
« With nearly one-fifth of the workforce projected to be age 55 or older by 2015, older workers will be essential to the success of both private and public sector organizations, » said Jimmie Paschall at Volunteers of America.
SOURCE: Expanding the Boundaries of Corporate Volunteerism – http://www.icaa.cc
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