In our fast-paced lives and the organizations we work for, the concept of team building has evolved far beyond a happy hour or lunch outing. Today, it’s about creating meaningful experiences that strengthen connections and relationships between colleagues and contribute to the communities where we live and work.
Enter volunteerism—a powerful team building activity that significantly benefits our organizations and people!
Last fall, the Kane Learning team had a chance to bring this to life when we came together to support a local non-profit, Home for Families, which provides a variety of programs in our local community. Before Christmas, this incredible organization invites the community to support families by purchasing items from the wish lists of children and parents alike. We were thrilled to buy skateboards, bikes, fun outfits, bedding sets, and more! The day we met to drop off our wish list items, you could feel the excitement of knowing people in our community would wake up Christmas morning with the gifts they’d been hoping for! We left encouraged and energized, not because we had accomplished a work task but because it brought our team a sense of fulfillment and community. Together, we made a positive impact in the lives of others. That's a great feeling!
Why is that?
Teamwork is critical to the success of any organization. It allows us to leverage each person's strengths as we work together toward a common goal. Working well together as a team makes the organization more effective, fosters creativity and innovation, and—here’s where volunteerism comes in—it boosts morale—and our Christmas gift event did just that!
So, what are some practical ways volunteerism is beneficial for team building?
1. Improves communication and collaboration: Volunteer projects often occur outside of the four walls of our offices, which requires team members to work together in an unfamiliar setting. Doing work that is new or different to us challenges us to improve our communication and problem-solving skills.
2. Fosters leadership and skill development: Taking on volunteer tasks allows employees to stretch their leadership muscles and develop new skills transferable to their everyday work roles and responsibilities.
3. Increases engagement and morale: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making us happier in our jobs and feel more positive about the companies we work for.
4. Attracts and retains your talent: Did you know that Gen Z is more concerned about the social causes a potential employer supports than the company itself? A recent Fortune article explains it this way: “Refusing to drink the corporate Kool-Aid, half of Gen Zers would turn down a job that doesn’t align with their beliefs.” Having a volunteer program or a commitment to volunteering in your community can serve as a unique selling point for attracting new talent, especially among younger generations who prioritize social impact and purpose-driven work.
5. Builds a positive image in your community: Companies that encourage volunteerism are often viewed more favorably by consumers, enhancing the brand's image in the community.
Volunteering as a team not only enriches our individual lives, but it also makes our teams better by fostering a culture where we are more collaborative and invested in our communities. As we continue to navigate the complexities within our organizations and the world around us, embracing volunteerism can be critical to team building and fostering a culture of collaboration and community engagement.