Volunteering is important to our economy and our society. Volunteering helps improve mental health and helps communities thrive. This week, the South Australian Business Chamber CEO Andrew Kay spoke at the 2023 Volunteering Conference, and as a board member of South Australian Botanic Gardens, understands the vital role volunteers play in our state.
Did you know volunteer work on an applicant’s resume can positively influence an employer’s decision to offer them employment? Results from questions on volunteering in the William Buck the South Australian Business Chamber Survey of Business Expectations every 2 years since 2018 show employers think this ‘Demonstrates willingness to go the extra mile’. Similarly, it does not matter whether the candidate’s volunteer work was in a related field or outside of the field of work they are applying for – what matters is the experience itself. Despite this, when it comes to the workplace, “work in the field they are applying for” is still the most applicable.
Respondents also said volunteering by an applicant indicated to them that the applicant is “familiar with teamwork/ability to cooperate/get along with others” and or “demonstrates passion/commitment to the field and strength of character”.
The South Australian Business Chamber recognised the importance of volunteering when the ‘SA Volunteering Strategy Board’ was first mooted, and became one of four pillars of the Board with the South Australian Government, Local Government Association of South Australia, and peak volunteering advocacy body Volunteering SA&NT. This group worked with the community to release the first Volunteering Strategy for South Australia 2014 – 2020. The Volunteering Strategy for South Australia 2021 – 2027 was also developed in consultation with the volunteering sector, volunteers, and members of the community.
The 2023 Volunteering Conference focused on ways to make volunteering more relevant, how to broker relationships between businesses who have an ESG focus, and volunteer organisations needing assistance. The conference showcased the importance of youth volunteering and the changes in what both young volunteers and young employees are looking for in their roles and the importance of involving migrants in our community through volunteering.
We encourage businesses that are interested in providing pro bono expertise to struggling not-for-profits, to contact Volunteering SA /NT to find out what opportunities are available.
Volunteering reliant businesses are encouraged to reach out and ask for the skills you need.
Businesses that quietly recognise staff members who volunteer at school netball coaching can also get support on how to make their businesses thrive.
