Volunteering improves health, business aptitude and community relations

October 28, 2013

Volunteering improves health, business aptitude and community relations

Many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers not only to administer services but to help run day-to-day operations. And for many nonprofits there is little more they can offer volunteers than their gratitude and perhaps a free lunch.

However, according to a study by Harris Interactive for UnitedHealth Group, nonprofits give back more to their volunteers than they know. The survey of 3,351 adults found that individuals who volunteer report better levels of physical, emotional and mental health than those who do not. Volunteers also reported feeling a deeper connection to their communities and were more informed health care consumers. They were also more engaged in taking care of their own health.

Benefits for employers of volunteers
The study found that philanthropy benefited businesses as well, both those that facilitated volunteer activities and those that hired employees who give their time and services to nonprofits.

"Employees who volunteer also bring more refined job skills to the workplace which provides a significant benefit to their employer," the study states. "Functional job competencies such as marketing, management, or finance skills are honed through volunteer experiences. Volunteering by definition requires strong people and teamwork skills as well as the ability to manage time effectively. Both of those skill categories are in high demand in the workplace."

Volunteers who are out of work may also find that their philanthropy could give their resume a boost. CNN Money cited a 2011 LinkedIn survey which found 41 percent of hiring managers consider volunteer experience as valuable as paid work.

Volunteer work shows hiring managers that workers are motivated and loyal. For workers that have a hard time finding jobs during a recession, skill-based volunteerism can look especially appealing on a resume. Volunteering can help unemployed workers keep their skills sharp and their attitude positive.

Many workplace skills are also improved during volunteer work, such as relationships with colleagues, time management, teamwork and other professional skills. Philanthropic activities are also embraced as large company initiatives to give back the community while bringing coworkers closer together.

While many volunteers may not be fully aware of the self-benefit they receive – and most willing to help despite it – nonprofits can take some solace in knowing that all that hard work does not go unrewarded.

Content presented by First Nonprofit Companies, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.

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CCSCT was approached by First NonProfit to discuss its Unemployment Savings Program and ways the program could significantly reduce the amount of unemployment taxes we were paying. At the time, our agency was paying approximately $80,000 per year. First NonProfit conducted an analysis to determine if making the switch would be in our best interest, and it clearly was based on our circumstances. The first year on the program, CCSCT saw a 70% reduction in its unemployment costs and each year, continues to experience further reductions as a result of having minimal claims. Some additional benefits of the program including having a fixed annual cost, an interest-baring reserve account, professional unemployment claims management and representation at all unemployment hearings. This has been one of the best decisions we have made.

Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc., Seguin, TX

We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit.  We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made.  We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process.  They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost.  We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services.  I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!

CROSSPURPOSE, Denver, CO

Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.

Prevent Blindness America, Chicago, IL

Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.

Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Chicago, IL

It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.

Thresholds, Chicago, IL

NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.

New York Council of Nonprofits, Albany, NY

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Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

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