MyKartavya | Nasscom Foundation’s Post

In the late 1990s, while employee volunteering engagement in India was not as prevalent as it is today, some companies did begin to recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including employee volunteering programs. Here are a few companies in India that likely initiated employee volunteering engagements during that time: 1. Infosys : Infosys is known for its early commitment to corporate social responsibility, including employee volunteering. The Infosys Foundation was established in 1996, indicating the company's engagement in social initiatives from the late 1990s. 2. Tata Group : The Tata Group has a long history of philanthropy and community service. Tata Group's CSR activities have been extensive, with initiatives spanning education, healthcare, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. 3. Wipro : Wipro, another prominent Indian IT services company, has also been active in CSR efforts. Wipro has since developed robust CSR programs. (Wipro Foundation ) 4. Mahindra Group : The Mahindra Group has a legacy of social responsibility, dating back to its founding principles. While formalized employee volunteering programs might not have been in place in the late 1990s, Mahindra & Mahindra's CSR initiatives have expanded significantly over the years, encompassing areas such as rural development, education, and healthcare. 5. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL): HUL has a history of engaging in social initiatives in India. While specifics of employee volunteering engagements in the late 1990s may vary, HUL's CSR efforts have included projects related to health, hygiene, education, and women's empowerment. I apologize if I overlooked mentioning any company that initiated their corporate volunteering journey in the late 1990s. The list provided includes some of the prominent organizations known for their early commitment to corporate social responsibility in India. If there are additional companies you believe should be acknowledged for their pioneering efforts in employee volunteering during that time period, please feel free to mention them in the comments. Picture credit : Alamy #Era1990s #Volunteer #Volunteering #CorporateVolunteering #Socialimpact

When a company walks the talk ------------------------------------------ The #AdityaBirlaGroup commits to being a "force for good" . So it was not very surprising when they decided to embark on a Deep Volunteering initiative to invite employees to spend two weeks exploring the social sector while contributing time and skills . I had the privilege to co-create the journey as part of the transformative volunteering initiative I lead at #iVolunteer . The intent was to provide employees a deep volunteering experience where they would not just contribute their time and skills but also explore what the experience meant for each of them from a learning and skills adaptation perspective There were many many moments of inspiration through the entire process. 1. The clarity of intentionality in my conversations with Padma Rajeswari Nandi , @Krupa Shah and Ashok Ramchandran, Samik Basu aligning with actioning the articulated purpose and creating an opportunity for employees to experience the same  2. The agency that was given to employees to choose from multiple projects 3. The democratic approach to ensuring that a fair selection was made through an application process. We had a heaterning and unanticipated response of nearly 300 employees across the group responding . 16 of them made it to the first cohort.  4. The generosity of line managers to consent to their colleagues taking two weeks to work on a social project  5. The willingness of the NGOs to open their spaces and opportunities for learning and engagement of the volunteers  6. Employees had to work out of the NGO sites for two weeks , engaging with the staff and the communities across a diverse range of proh=jects from creating marketing and branding strategies, to designing products to creating HR and people strategies for the NGos where they were placed . In the reflections that we did post the 2 weeks as well as during the engagement , without exception every one of the employees shared with authenticity and grace how the experience had truly been perspective changing , how they realised what privilege meant, and most importantly how little it takes to make a difference . I have often been personally sceptical about corporate India 's approach to volunteering, and that it ends up being tokenist and transactional, lacking equity .Many of us in the sector also dont challenge this enough- it seems like a losing battle to fight. But every now and them there will be a corporate like ABG that will be refreshingly authentic and deeply intentional of being the change they want to see and profess . #transformativevolunteering, #volunteering, #employeeengagement, #learninganddevelopment, #hr, #CHRO, #ngos , #csr, #corporatesocialresponsibility , #communityimpact , #selfdevelopment #corporatevolunteering Ashok Rathod, Praveen Singh , Kalpana Pant ,Dr. Pratibha Narayanan

Welcome Message to Young Professionals and Leaders: Dear Young Professionals and Esteemed Leaders, Assalammualaykum! Greetings of peace! I extend a warm welcome to each of you as you embark on this transformative journey with ProVolve Skills Bridge - Professional Volunteerism. Today, as we gather in the shared vision of fostering social change and community empowerment, we recognize the remarkable potential that lies within each of you. The essence of professional volunteerism serves as a vital catalyst, not just for individual growth but also for the flourishing of our communities. In an ever-evolving world marked by rapid technological advances and complex challenges, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. ProVolve invites you to take your expertise beyond the confines of your professional roles and engage with those in need. By integrating your capabilities with a spirit of altruism, we can forge new pathways for collaboration and innovation that benefit both the individuals and communities we serve. The concept of professional volunteerism transcends traditional definitions of charity; it is about harnessing your skills and channeling them into your communities. Through your engagement, you can empower others, uplift marginalized voices, and create sustainable practices that not only solve immediate problems but also pave the way for long-term development. In this synergy between personal skills and communal needs, we can foster a culture where sharing resources and knowledge becomes the norm, enriching all participants in the process. ProVolve embodies our commitment to nurturing an environment of mutual growth and shared success. This initiative stands as a beacon for individuals longing to make a meaningful impact. As you take this crucial step into the world of professional volunteerism, remember that every effort counts. Each hour dedicated, each skill shared, and each connection made contributes to a larger narrative of compassion, resilience, and hope. Moreover, we recognize that our mission thrives on collaboration. We are open to partnerships with organizations, corporations, and community groups alike. If you envision a project, an initiative, or a joint effort that aligns with our vision, we encourage you to reach out. With your unique perspective and leadership, we can navigate the root cause of challenges that confront us today, steering towards a brighter, more equitable future. I invite you to immerse yourself fully in this endeavor. Embrace the spirit of volunteerism with open arms, and let the enthusiasm for change fuel your commitment. Together, through ProVolve Skills Bridge, we can transform aspirations into action and dreams into realities. Welcome to a community where your influence can create ripples of positive change—a community that believes we can, together, make a difference. Warm regards, Maudi Maadil Founder ProVolve Skills Bridge

Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a volunteering activity where I witnessed the incredible talent and creativity of school kids performing a drama based on life skills. It was truly inspiring to see these young minds engaging with important topics in such a meaningful way. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for providing me with the opportunity to participate in the recent volunteer activity. Gurmit Kaur Dhaliwal your guidance and support have been invaluable throughout this experience and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to learn and grow under your mentorship. Volunteering experiences like this remind us of the profound impact we can have on our communities. Not only do we contribute to causes we care about, but we also have the opportunity to learn and grow personally. Benefits of volunteering, particularly for those in the corporate world: ⭐️ Skill Development: Volunteering allows us to hone existing skills and develop new ones, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valuable in the workplace. ⭐️Team Building: Collaborating with diverse groups of people towards a common goal fosters teamwork and strengthens interpersonal relationships, essential for a productive work environment. ⭐️Personal Fulfillment: Making a positive difference in the lives of others brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose, enhancing overall well-being and job satisfaction. ⭐️Networking Opportunities: Volunteering provides a unique platform to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and industries, expanding professional networks and opening doors to new opportunities. ⭐️Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Engaging in volunteering initiatives aligns with corporate values and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, enhancing brand reputation and employee morale. Let's continue to harness the power of volunteering to not only make a difference in the lives of others but also enrich our own lives in the process. Together, we can create a brighter and more compassionate world. #Volunteering #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityImpact 🌍💼

Unlocking New Horizons: The Power of Volunteering 🌟 In a world driven by connections and community, volunteering is more than just an act of kindness—it's an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a tangible difference. Embracing volunteer work on LinkedIn not only showcases your dedication to social causes but also highlights your proactive spirit and willingness to go the extra mile. **Why Volunteer?** Volunteering offers numerous personal and professional benefits: - Skill Development 📑 : Gain new skills and experiences that can be added to your professional toolkit. - Network Expansion 🧑🤝🧑: Meet like-minded individuals and professionals who share your passion for giving back. - Personal Fulfillment 🧍: Experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from contributing to meaningful projects and causes. **How to Get Started?** 1. **Update Your Profile**: Activate the "Open to Volunteer" feature on LinkedIn to signal your readiness to potential nonprofit organizations and projects. 2. **Engage with Causes**: Follow nonprofit organizations and join relevant groups to stay informed about opportunities. 3. **Share Your Story**: Post about your volunteer experiences and the impact they've had on your life and career. Use the hashtag #OpenToVolunteer to connect with others. **Volunteering in Action** Here's a snapshot of how volunteering can enrich your career and personal life: - **Skill Enhancement**: Develop leadership, project management, and teamwork skills in a real-world setting. - **Community Impact**: Contribute to causes you're passionate about and see the immediate difference your efforts make. - **Career Growth**: Enhance your resume with diverse experiences that can set you apart in job applications and interviews. So, why not take the plunge? Embrace the spirit of volunteering and unlock new horizons both personally and professionally. Together, we can make the world a better place, one volunteer at a time. Let's inspire change! #OpenToVolunteer 💪💪💪

🚀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 🌟 🌍Skills-based volunteering channels employees' job-related expertise to create significant community and organizational impact. 🕒 From 30-minute translations to three-month software implementations, these volunteering roles are diverse. 🔧 Nonprofits leverage specialized skills they can't afford through dedicated volunteers, closing crucial skills gaps. 📈 Employees enhance soft and technical skills, gaining experiences that foster career development. 🤝 Volunteering offers unique networking with peers across various departments, boosting intra-organizational relationships. 🌱 Skills-based volunteering aids in attracting and retaining top talent, aligning with the desires of socially conscious professionals. 💼 Employees apply and grow their skills in real-life scenarios, enhancing leadership capabilities and team collaboration. Skills-based volunteering not only drives social impact but also enriches employee engagement and organizational culture. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBbBdgDN #CorporateSocialResponsibility #EmployeeEngagement #Volunteering

The Power of giving back Volunteering has always been close to my heart, and my experience with Rung for Women has been amazing. As someone who has spent years working in multinational companies, I've seen firsthand the impact that mentorship and support can have on one's career. Last week I had the opportunity to be part of the Resume review night and I was privileged to witness the incredible energy and vulnerability of all the women who joined to discuss their resumes and how to make the best of it. Let me share a bit of my experience: Empowering Women to Succeed: Rung for Women is dedicated to helping women progress in their careers by providing resources, guidance, and a supportive community. Volunteering here has allowed me to leverage my professional experiences to empower others. Seeing women gain confidence and clarity in their career paths is incredibly rewarding. Personal Growth Through Giving: Volunteering is not just about helping others—it's also a journey of personal growth. Each session reinforces the importance of community, resilience, and continuous learning. Their stories inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries in my own career and personal life. Embracing Change and Making a Positive Impact: These are dynamic times where markets and workplaces are in constant transformation, necessitating continuous upskilling. My recent experience was an excellent reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact - If you havent thought about it, I encourage anyone with corporate experience to consider volunteering within your communities. Your insights and knowledge can be a game-changer for someone looking to advance their career. The time you give can open doors, build bridges, and change lives.

When social impact companies come together and are able to amplify and create even more social impact in association with Trialogue. Thanks Trialogue for sharing our views. #employeeengagement #employeevolunteering #volunteering

🌟 Transforming Professional Growth Through Employee Volunteering 🌟 🔹Professional Growth: Skills-based volunteering offers enriched professional development opportunities. 🌱 🔹Real Impact: Programs like Google.org’s fellowship allow employees to apply their tech skills to help nonprofits, demonstrating significant societal impact. 🌍 🔹Career Advancement: 80% of HR professionals say volunteers are likely to get promoted faster. 📈 🔹Employee Preference: 65% of potential employees favor companies with a strong social conscience. ❤️ 🔹Engagement and Productivity: Engaged companies report 18% higher productivity and 23% more profitability. 📊 🔹Talent Attraction and Retention: Corporate volunteering is key to attracting and retaining top talent, with engaged companies experiencing up to 43% lower turnover rates. 👥 🔹Brand Reputation: A commitment to social and environmental causes enhances company reputation and builds trust with consumers. 🏢 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ecKqvxHv #CorporateVolunteering #EmployeeEngagement #SocialResponsibility #SkillsBasedVolunteering #CSR

Gaining a broader perspective on the business can be as simple as volunteering for cross-functional projects. It's not about stepping out of your comfort zone, but rather expanding it. It's about understanding the interdependencies and dynamics of different business functions. It will help you not only in your personal growth but also in becoming a better team player. Also, the insights gained from diverse functional areas can be used to strengthen HR strategies and practices. It's a win-win situation for both you and your organization. So, have you ever volunteered for a project outside your department? If yes, what were your key takeaways? #ProfesionalGrowth #CrossFunctionalCollaboration #hrdefined