Employee Incentives & Travel Incentives News: A new way to find volunteering activities for your business

“Working professional, likes singing, cooking and interior design, seeks same for a service arrangement.”

Just as computer dating services match singles with similar interests, a website now hooks volunteers up with matching community service projects.

Speaking to the State Journal, Insurance company Highmark Health have spoken about their success in using VolunteerMatch which connects causes and do-gooders through a network of nonprofit and corporate partners. The site ensures employees can easily find projects that need their help and that fit their personal interests and also tracks service hours.

Since the site opened to workers in February, 2,300 of Highmark Health’s 40,000 employees have registered and logged 7,800 volunteer hours, said Judy Windom, who manages the company’s VolunteerMatch platform.

“Our employees are our company’s greatest asset. They not only give 100 percent to their jobs, but they also go above and beyond by supporting community programs,” said Evan Frazier, senior vice president of community affairs at Highmark Health. “Our spirit of employee volunteerism is alive and contagious, with thousands of hours committed to programs each year that assist nonprofit organizations in the communities where we do business.”

A section of the platform visible only to Highmark workers lists projects the company manages itself, such as activities for a Partner in Education. Those would be available to only Highmark employees, but workers may choose any project.

“They put in their ZIP Code where they work or live and search for individual volunteer or team-building opportunities related to wellness, kids, seniors, animals, anything they may have a passion for,” Windom said.

Highmark supports employees’ volunteer efforts by administering a grant program that provides funds to nonprofits through employee volunteers who know first hand the most pressing needs of the organizations. Employees also get a paid day off each year to volunteer at a service project in their community.

The company annually recognizes outstanding employee volunteers through the Jefferson Awards for Public Service and participates in national Make a Difference Day and the United Way Day of Caring. Windom said Highmark also rewards employees for tracking hours, with prizes throughout the year.

You can take a look at the activities in the UK and beyoned at volunteermatch.org.

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