'The gap in society affects us that's why we participate'
Corporate volunteers to bind and captivate in a tight labor market
"We have been a partner since 2018 and run in the 'Soup Bike Program' of Samen voor Eindhoven and the Salvation Army. We make ten liters of soup at a time for the soup bike for homeless people. We do that together with other hotels. We have, even not in corona time, only for a moment considered stopping that," says Anouk Muntendam, commercial manager of Hotel Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne. "We pamper our visitors, on the other hand, sometimes people who are struggling don't even have a home of their own. That gap affects us, that's why we participate. Our employees are working on that as well. After all, the basis of life is helping each other and being there for your fellow man. You want to live in a city where everyone can live and live happily."
Together for Eindhoven
Volunteers make sure the soup gets to the homeless. They are not ordinary volunteers, but corporate volunteers who help during their working hours. Together for Eindhoven takes care of that, a foundation that bridges businesses, nonprofit organizations and society. "We are going for a closer, inclusive and more connected society, without dichotomy. Where everyone can participate. We support charities to make more impact. Thanks to the expertise, time, talent and hands of corporate volunteers," said Esther Hofstede, director of Samen voor Eindhoven. "Government alone cannot solve societal challenges. The potential of knowledge, expertise and hands of the business community is desperately needed."
SME
Anyone who thinks that corporate social responsibility is only for large companies is mistaken. SMEs in particular are in the capillaries of society and recognize the needs and are often already very involved in local, good causes. What they sometimes find difficult is how to give concrete form to their social involvement, Hofstede knows. Samen voor Eindhoven has the knowledge and the network to unburden SMEs.
12,000 corporate volunteers
Where do I start and how do I find the appropriate charity? Together for Eindhoven helps with this. The organization has been coordinating and organizing activities between companies and non-profit organizations for 10 years. They have years of cooperation with well-known relations. Moreover, they are expert and aware of the latest developments and trends. For example, they have already mediated more than 12,000 corporate volunteers. Well-known actions are "Give a coat and warm a heart" and the Social Entrepreneurship040 match dinner.
Attractive employer
In a tight labor market, why choose to have your employees volunteer? These days, finding, attracting and retaining talent is important. A committed company that offers just that little bit more often succeeds better, research has shown. Employees can also learn other skills and experience how they relate to others and to social issues. "These are the attractive employers with a good labor market image and reputation. Doing good makes you happy," says Hofstede.
Strengthen group feeling
Often it is also a nice team experience, experienced Emile Peels, former director of ABC E Business. He believes it is important for everyone to do something for someone else. "It's great if I can do that through my company as well."
ABC E Business has already done several activities. Volunteering gives a different kind of satisfaction than working together in the workplace. "Such an activity for a good cause strengthens the group feeling and gives depth. People know how to find each other better on the shop floor afterwards. Signifying something together has added value."
Always something possible
Through Samen voor Eindhoven, ABC E Business employees go to work for a day twice a year. "We only have to make a choice about what we want to commit to. For smaller entrepreneurs like us, this is very convenient. This way we can still do something. It just starts with the will. Whether you're a big or small business, if you want to, something is always possible."