This year has been a year where our team at Qualia have practiced what we preach.
Our very own Managing Director won The Chartered Management Institute Volunteer of the Year 2023!
This award demonstrates that Kirsty is working at the highest level and including all of the CMI’s professional standards. As quoted by the CMI
Kirsty adopts and incorporates these standards plus practices within Qualia. She also embeds some of her learnings and experiences into all of the training from Digital Marketing, right through to Management. At all levels.
A full article about the importance and benefit of Volunteering was published on International Volunteers Day 2023. Compiled with advice such as
“Altruism is good for you,” & “Volunteering is not just about what you can do for others, it’s about helping yourself, finding your tribe.” The Chartered Management Institute, 2023 (Free to access, just register to read the full article)
International Volunteers Day
If this has not inspired you to volunteer. Here are a few more pieces of information.
International Volunteers’ day takes place on the 5th of December On this day, various events, activities, and campaigns are organised to highlight the impact of volunteerism in addressing global challenges, fostering community development, and promoting social inclusion. It is a time to recognise the dedication and altruism of volunteers, ranging from local community initiatives to international humanitarian efforts. Organisations, governments, and communities come together to express gratitude to volunteers for their selfless service and to raise awareness about the importance of volunteering in creating positive social change. Through International Volunteer Day, the global community emphasizes the essential role that volunteers play in building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies. It serves as a moment to inspire and mobilize individuals to engage in volunteer activities, making a collective effort toward a better world.
What is a volunteer?
A volunteer is an individual who selflessly dedicates their time, skills, and efforts to contribute to the well-being of others or a specific cause, without the expectation of financial remuneration. Motivated by a genuine sense of altruism, volunteers willingly choose to engage in various activities that address societal, environmental, or community needs. Whether working with nonprofit organizations, community groups, or directly within social initiatives, volunteers play a crucial role in fostering positive change. The essence of volunteering lies in the voluntary nature of the commitment, with individuals freely opting to participate in activities that align with their values and passions. This selfless act often involves a diverse array of roles, from hands-on assistance and mentorship to advocacy and administrative support. Through their unpaid service, volunteers not only contribute to the betterment of society but also experience personal growth, learning, and a profound sense of fulfilment derived from making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Top Ten reasons to have a volunteer in your business
Volunteers can significantly benefit a business in various ways, contributing to its success, growth, and overall impact. Here are ten detailed reasons why volunteers are valuable assets to a business:
1. Expanded Workforce and Capacity:
Volunteers augment the existing workforce, providing additional manpower to tackle projects and initiatives. This expanded capacity allows businesses to take on tasks that may be beyond the scope of their regular staff. Whether it’s organizing events, handling administrative duties, or implementing special projects, volunteers enhance the overall productivity of the business.
2. Cost-Effective Support:
One of the most notable advantages of having volunteers is the cost-effectiveness they bring. Unlike paid employees, volunteers offer their time and skills without the need for monetary compensation. This can be particularly advantageous for small businesses or nonprofits with limited budgets, allowing them to achieve their goals without incurring additional financial burdens.
3. Diverse Skill Sets:
Volunteers often bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the table. Their varied backgrounds can supplement the expertise of the regular staff, introducing fresh perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This diversity enriches the overall skill pool within the organization, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability.
4. Community Engagement and Positive Image:
Engaging volunteers connects the business to the local community, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. This involvement enhances the organisation’s public image, portraying it as a socially conscious and community-oriented entity. A positive public perception can attract customers, clients, and partners who appreciate and support businesses with a strong sense of community engagement.
5. Flexibility in Workforce Management:
Volunteers often offer flexibility in terms of availability and commitment. This flexibility is particularly valuable for businesses with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands. Volunteers can step in during peak periods or special events, providing the workforce flexibility needed to adapt to changing circumstances.
6. Team Building and Morale Boost
Working alongside volunteers can contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Regular staff members appreciate the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects with volunteers, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. This collaborative spirit can boost morale, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
7. Professional Networking Opportunities:
Volunteers may bring their own networks and connections to the business. This presents valuable networking opportunities that can benefit the organisation in various ways, from potential partnerships and collaborations to increased visibility within specific industries or communities. Networking through volunteers can open doors to new opportunities and resources.
8. Innovation and Creativity:
The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of volunteers can inject a fresh dose of innovation and creativity into the business. Their unique viewpoints may inspire new ideas and solutions, sparking creativity within the organisation. This infusion of innovation can be particularly beneficial for businesses seeking to stay competitive and adaptive in dynamic market environments.
9. Employee Engagement and Satisfaction:
Involving employees in volunteer activities can enhance their job satisfaction and engagement. Employees appreciate working for a company that values social responsibility and community involvement. When businesses actively support and encourage volunteer efforts, it creates a positive corporate culture that attracts and retains top talent.
10. Contributions to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Volunteers play a crucial role in fulfilling a business’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By engaging in volunteer work, the business demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and social impact. This commitment can resonate with customers and clients who prioritise supporting businesses with a strong CSR agenda.
In summary, volunteers bring diverse skills, cost-effective support, and a strong sense of community engagement to businesses. Their contributions not only enhance productivity and innovation but also contribute to a positive corporate culture and a favourable public image. By recognising and leveraging the benefits of volunteers, businesses can create a more robust and socially responsible operating model.
Top ten advantages of being a volunteer
1. Altruistic Motivations
At the core of volunteering is the altruistic desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. Many individuals are motivated by a genuine concern for the well-being of their communities and a sense of responsibility to contribute to the greater good. Altruism is a powerful driving force that leads people to willingly donate their time, skills, and resources without expecting any personal gain.
2. Personal Fulfilment:
Volunteering provides a profound sense of personal fulfilment. The act of contributing to a cause or organization aligns with individuals’ values and beliefs, offering a unique and meaningful way to find purpose and satisfaction. The intrinsic rewards derived from helping others can create a deep sense of accomplishment and happiness.
3. Skill Development:
Volunteering offers an opportunity for individuals to develop and enhance a diverse set of skills. Whether it’s project management, communication, teamwork, or leadership, volunteers often find themselves in situations that encourage skill acquisition and refinement. This professional development aspect can be particularly attractive for those looking to bolster their skill set or explore new career paths.
4. Community Connection:
Volunteering fosters a sense of connection to the community. By actively participating in local initiatives or contributing to community-based projects, volunteers strengthen their ties to the people and places around them. This connection can lead to a heightened sense of belonging and a shared commitment to the betterment of the community.
5. Social Interaction:
For many, volunteering provides an avenue for social interaction and the opportunity to build new relationships. Whether working on a team project or engaging with fellow volunteers, the social aspect of volunteering can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. This sense of camaraderie can contribute significantly to an individual’s overall well-being.
6. Passion for a Cause:
People often volunteer because they are passionate about a particular cause or issue. Whether it’s environmental conservation, animal welfare, education, or healthcare, individuals are drawn to volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and values. The passion for a cause becomes a driving force, motivating them to invest time and effort in making a positive impact.
7. Civic Responsibility:
Volunteering is seen by many as a form of civic responsibility. Individuals may feel a moral obligation to contribute to the betterment of society and actively participate in addressing social challenges. This sense of duty encourages civic engagement and a commitment to being an active and responsible member of the community.
8. Career Exploration:
Volunteering can serve as a pathway for career exploration. Individuals, especially students or those in career transitions, may volunteer to gain practical experience in a specific field, test out potential career paths, and make informed decisions about their professional future. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and even lead to job opportunities.
9. Empathy and Compassion:
Volunteers often possess a high level of empathy and compassion. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others drives individuals to take action and offer assistance where needed. This emotional connection to the well-being of others motivates volunteers to invest their time and energy in creating positive change.
10. Legacy and Impact:
Many volunteers are driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and make a meaningful impact on the world. By contributing to causes that matter to them, individuals aim to create positive change that extends beyond their immediate sphere of influence. The idea of leaving the world a better place is a powerful motivator for those dedicated to volunteering.
In conclusion, people become volunteers for a myriad of interconnected reasons that often combine personal fulfilment, altruism, community engagement, and a passion for specific causes. Understanding these motivations provides insight into the diverse and multifaceted nature of volunteerism, highlighting its importance in building stronger communities and creating positive social change.
Authors: Kenzi Robert’s and Kirsty Watson
December 2023
