Did you know: two hours of helping others per week results in higher satisfaction with life? Happier employees are more productive than unhappy ones, reports Christina Desmarais for Inc. Offering volunteer opportunities can help reduce employee turnover. In her article, Ms. Desmarais spotlights an Indiana-based chain of mobile phone stores which has implemented a “culture of good” through regular employee volunteer programs and events. The program is making an impact to employee satisfaction. When its 800+ employees were polled about the program, 86% said the program gives them a sense of fulfillment in their work, 65% said it has encouraged them to stay with the company and 52% said the program improved communication among colleagues. Features of the program include:

• Paid time off for employees to pursue personal volunteering activities
• Company-wide events that benefit the local community
• Opportunities for employees to direct a percent of corporate donations
• Channels for sharing employee volunteer work and passions

Offering volunteering opportunities can help with employee retention, but it must be an extension of the company’s core values and mission. If not, the program will not seem authentic to employees and customers. Think first about what your company values, how can your company impact your community and what will inspire employees to take part.   [caption id="attachment_723" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Source: inc.com[/caption]