Are you considering incorporating a volunteer program into your company culture? Giving away your employee time can be daunting, but corporate volunteerism can be a valuable tool for leadership development in several ways.

1. Developing empathy and perspective-taking: As outlined in a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, volunteering can help leaders find commonality in a polarized world and further understand the perspectives of others, particularly those who are in different circumstances or facing challenges. This can lead to greater empathy and a more nuanced understanding of the needs of employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
   
   
2. Building teamwork and collaboration skills: Corporate volunteerism often involves working with a team of colleagues towards a common goal. This can help leaders develop collaboration and communication skills, as well as the ability to delegate and manage tasks effectively.
   
   
3. Developing problem-solving skills: Volunteering often requires leaders to think creatively and adapt to changing circumstances in order to achieve their goals. This can help them develop problem-solving skills that can be applied to a variety of situations in the workplace.
   
   
4. Strengthening company culture: Corporate volunteerism can foster a sense of community and shared purpose among employees, which can contribute to a positive company culture. This can help leaders create a more engaged and motivated workforce, especially in a time when employees are prioritizing company values when making their employment decisions.
   

Overall, corporate volunteerism can provide future leaders with opportunities to develop skills and perspectives that can be valuable for their personal and professional growth, as well as for the success of their organizations.

Your company is invited to join Austin Gives, the business philanthropy initiative of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Austin Gives is a community of generous businesses that commit to give back 1% of profits, products or services, and/or volunteer time to charitable causes of their choosing. Membership is free and includes networking and educational opportunities, as well as an annual awards event that celebrates best practices in social impact in Central Texas.