Boots, British Gas, Lloyds Banking Group, Prudential and Waitrose are among the employers supporting Give and Gain Day by offering employees the opportunity to volunteer.
Give and Gain Day, on 17 May, will see more than 11,000 UK employees volunteer in their local communities.
The day is part of Business in the Community’s year-round campaign to make volunteering fun, accessible and inspirational, and encourage all employers to give their staff the opportunity to volunteer during work time.
Since 2008, more than 70,000 people in 36 countries around the world have taken part.
Employee volunteers will help in schools, day centres and youth groups, doing everything from school sports days to employability workshops and CV training for the long-term unemployed.
A range of organisations, from the British Red Cross and The Wildlife Trusts to schools and community groups, will benefit from the volunteers taking part.
Gennie Franklin, director of programmes and employee volunteering at Business in the Community, said: “It’s a win-win. The experience builds skills and motivates employees; 86% of the employees who took part in 2012 said they have increased loyalty towards their employer as a result.”
Paul Turner, group community and sustainable business director at Lloyds Banking Group, added: “One of the best ways organisations can support their local communities is by encouraging employees, customers and suppliers to use their skills and time through volunteering.
“We are deeply committed to playing an active part in the communities where we live, work and do business. Colleagues across the Lloyds Banking Group volunteer throughout the year, but Give and Gain Day provides the perfect focal point.”
