Volunteer during coronavirus: what it means for employees

Employing people who show a passion for charitable work can do wonders for your company culture and overall business. Sharon Gregory of HR Department Winchester explains how to help employees who want to volunteer during the coronavirus crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic has sadly separated many people from their jobs, friends and loved ones. But it has also invoked a forceful humanitarian effort and brought others together in ways we never could have imagined.

The government’s call for an ‘army of volunteers’ to support the NHS through coronavirus was met with an outpouring of support. There are many wonderful benefits for employers associated with this drive for volunteers, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the rules.

24 hours after the GoodSam scheme was introduced, it was announced that almost half a million people had already registered. The current count is at 750,000, and the scheme has been temporarily paused in order for the vast number of initial registrations to be processed.

Opportunities for volunteering offered by the scheme include vital medicine deliveries, patient transportation, and befriender phone calls to support those who are in isolation.

Why is volunteering good for employees?
Volunteering not only provides support to those in desperate need but can also be a fulfilling accomplishment for those who selflessly devote their time and goodwill.

Giving back to the community, or perhaps even further afield in this example, can be beneficial for a person’s mental and physical health. In addition to boosting morale and providing an important sense of self-worth, volunteering affords opportunities to improve many transferable skills such as communication, problem solving and teamwork.

Those who partake in volunteering are also likely to show compassion and altruism in other aspects of their life, such as in their place of work.

The benefits to your business
Employing people who show a passion for charitable work can do wonders for your company culture and overall business. Supporting, and actively encouraging such activity can attract positive and open-minded people during a recruitment drive and assist your employee retention programme.

In a time where we are reminded of the threat of climate change, and amidst the worst health crisis of a generation, employees are looking to their employers for leadership in new ways. Your company’s contributions to social responsibility can retain good people in your business, open new doors for partnerships and strengthen your surrounding community. All of which is good for business.

How can I help employees who want to volunteer?
Employees are entitled to emergency volunteer leave for a maximum of four weeks. For this you can authorise unpaid absence from work. Ask us if you have questions.

Employees who are on furlough leave through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can take part in volunteering during this time and still be eligible for the scheme. It must not provide any services for, or drive revenue to, your business. And you should keep in touch with them to know when they are volunteering.

Due to the extremity of the coronavirus crisis, employees who are military reservists could be called upon to assist in relief efforts. You will need to comply with such orders. If you have questions about managing reservists or employees who are volunteering to help fight coronavirus, contact your local HR Dept for advice. We are here to help.

For more details, visit: www.hrdept.co.uk/winchester