2023-12-17 05:10:00
In a business world, increasingly focused on sustainability, corporate volunteering emerges as a powerful tool that brings benefits to communities, the environment, collaborators and gives rise to organizations that increasingly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
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According to a BetterWork study carried out by Betterfly – the personalized protection platform with benefits and social impact – and Criteria, 43% of Colombian companies develop concrete initiatives to work on the purpose and it is not just a statement.
In this study, where 600 people were consulted regarding their work commitment in different dimensions, 47% of respondents indicated that their company explicitly declares a purpose beyond generating income and 40% said that the purpose of the company was consistent with his personal purpose.
According to unitedwaycolombia.org, companies in the country are showing constant growth in the budgets allocated annually to social initiatives. These budgets are not only translated into monetary figures, but also into the active participation of employees in volunteer programs.
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According to Somos Capaces, a Colombian non-profit entity, 96% of employees who engage in corporate volunteer activities perceived significant improvements in their network of contacts and networking skills. Additionally, 76% reported benefits on a physical or emotional level, while 78% reported experiencing a notable reduction in their stress levels.
Astellas Farma Colombia is one of the companies that has extensive experience with this type of initiatives, with its Changing Tomorrow Day program it celebrated 7 years linking its collaborators to volunteer programs in social development and health.
Year following year, together with organizations, it carries out actions with the most vulnerable communities. In 2023, it accompanied TECHO in the construction of a community, cultural and educational center and in previous years it linked up with the Hilario Lugo Hospital in the municipality of Sasaima. , the SANAR Foundation for children with cancer, the Sol en los Andes Foundation, Granito de Amor and the Bogotá Botanical Garden, among others.
Sandra Ramírez, Latam Area Leader of Astellas, highlighted the importance of the company’s group of collaborators being linked to these social impact actions.
“The state of well-being transcends health, which is the corporate purpose of our company. With these actions we are supporting initiatives that last over time and that promote spaces for development, socialization, and learning of psychosocial skills that will allow these communities to have a better quality of life and the country to advance in its commitment to eradicating poverty in the face of poverty. to the Sustainable Development Goals -SDG-”.
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According to a study carried out by the Voluntare network, 70% of companies, and 80% of social entities, have plans to maintain or increase their budgets allocated to volunteer programs in the coming years.
“This focus on shared value highlights the importance that companies and organizations give to social commitment, becoming a tool to strengthen their internal cultures and contribute to the well-being of society,” explains Betterfly’s strategy and impact manager, Joao Figueira.
How do volunteers strengthen organizations?
Thus, both large and small companies can benefit from this practice, in different areas and levels:
· Tangible benefits to culture: Corporate volunteering not only creates a positive impact on the communities they serve, but also plays a critical role in developing a strong organizational culture. By participating in altruistic activities, employees experience an increase in job satisfaction, fostering a positive and motivating work environment.
· Encourages collaboration and commitment: It creates bonds that transcend daily work functions. This shared experience nurtures team spirit, promoting an environment where the company’s core values are lived out in a tangible way.
· Create meaningful connections: By coming together to contribute to the well-being of the community, employees establish meaningful connections beyond the work environment. These connections translate into stronger relationships at work, improving communication and cohesion within the company.
· Social commitment as a business pillar: These initiatives are positioned as a fundamental pillar in the corporate social responsibility strategy. By integrating social engagement into the core of business culture, organizations not only fulfill their civic duty, but also contribute to sustainable growth and overall well-being.
With information collected from Agencies
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