EVP Challenges

The Society of Human Resource Management recently published an article outlining challenges faced by corporate-sponsored employee volunteer programs. The biggest issues they raise are:

1. availability of needed skills sets
2. management of expectations
3. making decisions regarding time off for volunteering

They note that many of these issues can be managed when companies:

1. provide clear and upfront communication
2. specify goals of volunteer program
3. carefully track volunteer hours

Understandable given the source and intended audience, this article has a focus on risk-management and avoiding legal issues with unpaid work. However, it does omit some challenges that might occur on the side of the partner organization. The host organization should be chosen careful based on the company's mission and goals of the EVP. Host organizations should also have the ability to deploy the skills and talent provided by the organization's volunteers. The volunteers should be mindful that the host organization's purpose is not to manage volunteers but to make an impact. 

Photo by Ddelbianco (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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