What with the great strain that the economy is currently under, it is understandable that community investment, and employee volunteering more specifically, may not be a top priority for many City businesses. It appears to me however, that it is more important than ever that City businesses and community organisations in neighbouring boroughs join forces and develop even stronger ties. Both sectors will feel the impact of economic decline to some extent, and many City workers are also residents of these boroughs.
Despite the negative press attention that is currently surrounding the City, employee volunteering has gained some very positive press. City Action gained a feature in last week’s Sunday Times which showcased a 40% increase in individual volunteering activity compared to last year and a 50% increase in new businesses recruited. This article along with another that recently featured in the Mail on Sunday (31st August 2008), also shed light on the incredibly positive impact that voluntering can have on City employees during this uncertain period.
The Sunday Times article was supported by four City-based advocates that were interviewed for the feature, with Rachael Hewson, associate director at Mason Blake, a financial recruitment firm, making the point that ‘CSR is here to stay…It’s not something that companies can just dip out of once they have dipped in. They are often in long-term partnerships with the local community.’
We at City Action of course understand the worries and constraints that many City-based companies are facing, and are able to provide varied volunteering opportunities that can suit all levels of involvement. Let’s ensure that current economic circumstances don’t hinder the fantastic difference that employee volunteers make to our neighbouring communities.
