The power of workplace volunteerism is huge – according to the National Council on Workplace Volunteerism, 463,000-plus employees gave more than nine million hours of their time in the U.S. and abroad in 2006. During the same timeframe, more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies reported having volunteer programs.

Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Yet, there also is a host of business benefits that can result from community service. Read on for a few examples of win-win situations that can be created when businesses support their employee volunteerism.

Employee camaraderie

Company-sponsored volunteer events provide a two-pronged benefit: They empower team members to support worthwhile causes and provide the opportunity to meet coworkers outside of their work area. Getting together outside the workplace fosters relationships between team members and helps us call our coworkers "friends." Company-sponsored volunteer events can also help build bridges between internal workgroups.

Recruitment

Demonstrating your company’s commitment to community service may also help recruitment efforts. Human resources departments in our community are working harder than ever to recruit qualified team members. Employers have long touted benefits such as health care and vacation time. Letting prospective team members also know about your company’s commitment to community service should also be part of that list. One recent study shows more than 80 percent of us in the workforce review a company’s commitment to social issues when we are considering a new job.

Corporate reputation

More and more, consumers are paying attention to a company’s reputation for philanthropy and community support when making buying decisions. According to the 2004 Cone Corporate Citizenship Study – an 11-year research poll – more than 70 percent of Americans say a company’s commitment to a social issue is an important factor when deciding whether or not to recommend the company’s products and services to others.

In fact, that same study indicates Americans between the ages of 18 to 25 are significantly more likely to consider a company’s citizenship practices when making purchasing decisions.

Long-term business health

Doing business in a healthy, vibrant community is beneficial for commerce. Taking an active approach to helping make your community an even better place is a smart way to help secure your company’s place in your community’s future.

Community feedback

Workplace volunteers are in a unique position to talk to prospective customers and community stakeholders about what is going on in the community. This insight and feedback can be helpful when determining new services or products. It is also helpful when assessing how well your company is responding to the needs of your community.

You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to have a workplace volunteer program. There are organizations and websites that can help you develop a meaningful program – for your business, employees and community. Here are a few sources that can help your company harness the power of workplace volunteerism:

• The Corporation for National and Community Service strengthens communities through service and volunteering. Their site is www.nationalservice.gov.

• Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network is a national organization that promotes volunteering. Log on at www.PointsofLight.org.

If you’re not quite ready to pioneer a volunteer program in your workplace and want to search for volunteer opportunities in your area, visit:

• The Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1965 that works as a clearinghouse for volunteers. The website is www.volunteertucson.org/

• Volunteer Match at www.volunteermatch.org. This nonprofit helps match volunteers with opportunities in their community.

• Volunteer Solutions at www.

volunteersolutions.org. A division of the United Way, Volunteer Solutions helps connect individuals to volunteer opportunities in their community.

I wish you the best of luck with your efforts. Working together, we can make positive differences in the communities we serve.

Contact Jill Malick, a business banking manager for Wells Fargo, at jill.s.malick@wellsfargo.com or (520) 512-0301.