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The 7 Practices of Effective Employee Volunteer Programs

Every company has the power to leverage their employees’ time and talents to successfully strengthen communities and impact social issues facing all of us. An effective volunteer program can transform the way customers, partners, investors and employees think about your company.

We know that there are seven practices, or foundational elements, of effective and excellent employee volunteer programs:

The Plan

Excellent EVPs have specific societal, employee and business goals with clear strategies, focused efforts and tactics to achieve them.

 

Design

Excellent EVPs integrate into the business by leveraging employee skills and corporate assets (such as philanthropic dollars, in-kind donations, equipment, real estate and other physical assets), aligning with core competencies and enhancing corporate operations.

 

Leadership

Excellent EVPs benefit from vocal and continual support from company leadership that specifically promotes and furthers the EVP's mission, goals and plan.

 

Partnerships

High performing EVPs understand the importance of strategic partnerships and intentional collaboration with government, private and nonprofit partners.

 

Employee Engagement

Excellent EVPs generate broad-based employee enthusiasm, support and stewardship for the EVP and enrich the employee work-related experience as demonstrated by increased morale, productivity, retention, workplace skills and/or other indicators of engaged employment.

 

Measurement

High performing EVPs measure the degree to which they are accomplishing their plan, including the processes that are performed effectively and the level to which the EVP achieves outputs, accomplishments, and business and social impact. These results are shared internally and externally.

 

Success and Growth

Excellent EVPs recognize, communicate and celebrate success internally and externally while continuously learning from peers, volunteers and partners and reflecting on potential program improvements.