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People across the UK love supporting charities however they can, and there is no shortage of great causes to support. With the cost of living increasing rapidly, more people need help to get by, and charities are becoming ever more stretched for resources. Workers also need to ensure that their incomes are stable and secure, so taking unpaid time off to volunteer isn't as feasible as it once was. 💔
Almost two-thirds of UK workers cannot take paid volunteer leave with their current employer, and this presents a great opportunity for companies to create better corporate social responsibility initiatives in their organisations.
How are businesses incorporating volunteer leave into their offering?
Give a little, get a little
For every hour of volunteering that an employee dedicates to a charity or cause, your company could match it with an hour of annual leave.
Charity partnerships
Align your organisation with a charity or cause and incentivise volunteering for them throughout the year.
Paid volunteer leave
Give employees allotted paid leave to use for a personal cause.
Can employers create leave types like volunteer or mental health days?
Absolutely. Modern leave management systems make it easy to make flexible policies that go beyond statutory requirements, like annual and sick leave. Volunteer leave, wellbeing or duvet days, even birthday leave are often offered by businesses. Flexible, fun and purpose-driven time off is a great morale booster that strengthens company culture.
Volunteer leave can also be a great way to partner with organisations at align with your organisation's values.
