Is your company's morale low? Try volunteerism.

July 10, 1:07 PMLA Workplace Issues ExaminerPeggy Castellano

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Just watching the news can make anyone depressed. The U.S. jobless rate rose to 9.5% during the month of June, and in May California's unemployment hit a record 11.5%.  Many workers don't have to read these staggering figures to know how real these facts are. They travel to work each day not knowing if they'll have a secure job by the time their shift ends.

A close friend recently shared her stress and frustration over layoffs at a local business.  It's been a slow hemorrhage for a few years, with a significant volume of people either laid-off or forced into early retirement. Those who left by their own choosing were not replaced, leaving empty cubicles and worried employees behind to pick up the slack.  The remaining employees were asked to assume multiple roles without an adjustment to their base compensation. Such an environment leads to high stress, possible depression, and other health related issues including headache, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disruptions. This environment can also lead to guilt. Employees may feel guilty about keeping a job when close colleagues are laid-off, especially if the laid-off workers have children or aging parents they were supporting.

So how do companies maintain a positive culture and improve morale in such difficult times? 

Try volunteerism.

The down economy has made it difficult for corporations to make the same level of financial contributions to worthy causes they once supported. So it makes since that corporations and employees can redeem significant benefits by getting involved in their local communities through active volunteer programs.  In fact, in a study released in 2004, Deloitte and Touche reported that 72% of Americans would choose to work for a company that supports charitable causes, if choosing between two companies that were equal in all other respects. In the same study, 87% of Americans believed it is important for corporations to offer volunteer opportunities for its employees.

Why is now the time for companies to sponsor volunteer programs?

• By working with people in need, employees realize their problems may not be so bad.
• Volunteerism can improve employee motivation and attitude.
• Volunteerism builds company loyalty and pride.
• Employees gain a sense of personal satisfaction by giving back to their communities.
• There are many needy organizations and non-profit groups that need extra support.

It's relatively easy to organize a company volunteer program.  Some companies make it a mandatory experience, where employees volunteer a minimum of one day per month. Others just volunteer at major annual events, such as fundraisers or marathons. But there are numerous resources in Los Angeles that would welcome your involvement. I've listed a few organizations below to get you started.  If other organizations wish to write to me and describe opportunities for volunteers, I'll include your group's efforts and the kind of support you need in an upcoming article.

So make a difference. Volunteer. But keep on giving. The needs of these organizations will outlast any upswing in our economic picture.

Volunteer Opportunities in Los Angeles:

Volunteer Center of Los Angeles (www.vcla.net)

Food on Foot (www.foodonfoot.org)

Volunteer Los Angeles (www.volunteerlosangeles.com)

Los Angeles Public Library

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Sources:

Deloitte and Touche, Harris Survey, 2004.