Fostering volunteer engagement through the workplace

Out of the goodness of their hearts, many community members feel their help and support is most needed during the holiday season. Though the need is there and very appreciated, it is often forgotten that the help for community volunteers is yearlong.

There are a slew of ways to support local nonprofits, from donating to advocating to volunteering. But what if I told you there was a direct way for you to support United Way, and the community, while also bettering your workplace.

Middlesex United Way encourages companies to inspire their employees to get involved in our community. We help pair your company and employees with the opportunity that most closely matches their interests and availability. Whether the interest is in preparing taxes for hardworking individuals, advancing young children’s education through born learning trails, preparing and serving meals to the needy, or building and maintaining habitat for humanity homes, there are many volunteer opportunities available every day, all year long.

Aside from giving back to the community that we all love, volunteer engagement in the workplace has many benefits. Volunteering helps employees feel engaged in their community, and engaged employees are 57 percent more productive and 87 percent less likely to leave the company. In today’s world, it is crucial for companies to make their employees feel engaged and valued. It is also very important to keep employees educated about the issues that Middlesex County faces. Yearlong volunteer opportunities help United Way advance priorities in housing, education, income, and health.

Putting a workplace volunteer team together can also help to develop employee’s skillsets. Often times, while working on a volunteer project, employees are encouraged to take the lead and drive the activity. This helps to create leadership, creative, and organizational skills. Employees often feel a sense of pride while helping to solve problems, strengthen communities, and improve lives.

Volunteering promotes trust and friendship by building a sense of community among employees as they work toward a common goal.

Middlesex United Way has the ability to work side by side with your company to create a plan that fits your company’s goals and your employees’ interests. Whether it be a onetime event, or year-long strategy, we have an opportunity for every need. If interested in any of our quarterly opportunities, flexible scheduling is available upon discussion.

For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Sheryl Dougherty at sheryl.dougherty@middlesexunitedway.org or 860346-8695.