What is Employer Supported Volunteerism (ESV)?

Employer-Supported Volunteerism (ESV) is just as the name suggests. It is employers supporting their staff to volunteer their time and skills to serve their community. This can take many forms - from providing staff with flex time for their volunteer activities to an annual team activity in which all staff participate. ESV might also involve recognition of volunteers in the company newsletter, an Adopt-an-agency program, or something as simple as posting community volunteer opportunities on your staff notice board. In short, it can be a one-time event, or an ongoing commitment. It's up to you!

Why should you get involved?

ESV programs are on the rise, and an excellent way for businesses to combine strategic goals with employee development, retention and satisfaction. By being involved, you also help to strengthen your local community and demonstrate your leadership as a 'caring company'.

Supporting your employees' volunteer activities makes a powerful business statement - it says that you want to make a difference.

By getting involved you can:

• Provide your staff with valuable, cost-effective professional development opportunities and a chance to learn new skills
• Enhance the reputation and public image of your business
• Improve staff retention and enhance employee morale
• Strengthen relationships with your clients and other stakeholders
• Expand your networks which can lead to increased business opportunities

You don't have to be a large company to benefit from this investment in your staff.

What other businesses are saying about ESV

• It builds stronger relationships within the branch and company - everything we do is about teamwork and relationships in our business. HR Manager, Sierra Systems, Victoria
• The benefits are immeasurable - you get what you give - it is not just about the money, or the bottom line, nor should it be. Regional Director, Investors Group
• It is not just about the bottom line, it is more about camaraderie, teamwork and coming together for a common purpose. Director of Human Resources, WCG International

Learn more about ESV

• Benefits of ESV to your business, your employees and your community - [PDF 18KB]
• ESV Opportunities and examples of local businesses involved in ESV - [PDF 690KB]
• Employer-Supported Volunteerism FAQ's and Fast Facts - [PDF 12KB]
• Making a Business Case for Employer Supported Volunteerism [PDF 1,687KB]
• Engaging Employees in your Company: How to Establish Employer Supported Volunteerism [PDF 1,112KB]
• Developing Employer Supported Volunteerism Policies [PDF 181KB]
• Volunteers at Work: How Canadian Businesses Encourage and Support Volunteerism [PDF 306KB]
• Corporate Volunteer Program Models
• Employee Volunteer Program Reporting Standards
• Business Support for Employee Volunteers in Canada: Results of a National Survey

We can help your business to get involved in Employer Supported Volunteering. Contact Lori Elder at lori@volunteervictoria.bc.ca or (250) 386-2269 to find out how.

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