They contribute a startling 88 million hours a week to improve education, homelessness, the environment and many other causes. One of the strongest, and most exciting, current trends is the number of companies backing their employees to volunteer. In the past companies have usually given money. To some extent it is because government is encouraging business to become more involved in solving social problems, and companies are realising there are links between their profitability and the wellbeing of their community. A staff group use their ingenuity and energy to complete an assignment to a tight timescale.
Challenges can generate a lot of energy and excitement.
This is a longer term challenge. An example is a clearly defined project to develop a business plan for a voluntary sector organisation. It could be carried out by either an individual or a group. This could involve a rota of employees volunteering in a project, such as giving lifts to hospital patients or taking part in a reading scheme at a local school. An ongoing partnership takes more commitment but brings the satisfaction of a deeper understanding and connection with an issue and the people affected by it.