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25.Jul.2001

British Firms Rate Voluntary Work

Good qualifications and experience in the job are no longer the defining criteria for success in the workplace. The latest essential credential craved by enlightened bosses is voluntary work.

Research carried out, on behalf of the national volunteering charity TimeBank, by recruitment specialist Reed Executive among over 200 of the UK's top businesses, found that almost three quarters of employers prefer to recruit candidates with volunteering experience on their CV.

The research also shows that altruism and self interest can co-exist for workers as sixty per cent of employers are more likely to promote and give payrises to employees who have donated their time.

Over half of the companies surveyed - 58 per cent - say that voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment.

Forward thinking businesses are becoming increasingly canny in their attitudes towards volunteering, as 94 per cent felt that volunteering added to the skills of their workforce. Giving time can particularly improve team working and communication; over 80 per cent of companies felt that staff who gave time increased these key skills. Staff who volunteer also gain organisation, planning and negotiation abilities.

Recognising the importance of voluntary work is an increasing trend with one in five organisations offering greater support to volunteering today than in the past. A growing number of businesses are willing to put their money where their mouth is - over one in four (26 per cent) tolerant bosses offer paid time off work to employee volunteers, with 15 per cent authorising sabbaticals for this purpose.

The survey was carried out to mark TimeBank Day, the charity's annual awareness day on August 8. TimeBank encourages people to use their skills to give time to voluntary projects in their local community or overseas. Potential time givers can find out more information and register at www.timebank.org.uk.

Over two thirds (69 per cent) of employers see employee volunteering as a way of enhancing the community profile of their company and for over three quarters of the organisations polled, good community relations were rated as important.

James Reed, CEO of recruitment specialist Reed, said: "Employers clearly feel volunteering develops particular skills, such as communication and team-working, which are especially valuable in today's highly pressured business world. With over half the organisations in the UK facing skills shortages, according to the latest Reed Skills Index, taking the voluntary work experience of job applicants into consideration can help ensure companies win the talent war when they recruit."

John Rafferty, Chief Executive of TimeBank, said: " This survey proves that as far as volunteering is concerned people really do get out more than they put in. Volunteers help in the community in many different ways, this survey demonstrates that volunteers can also help themselves by enhancing their job prospects and their careers. Everyone should do it. Call TimeBank now! "