Helping Communities Building Careers Get Ahead At Work By Volunteering In Your Community New Survey ShowsDirect Link Between Volunteer Work and Professional Success (NAPSA)—According to a recent survey by Opinion Research Corporation, employed Americans overwhelmingly agree that volunteering in the community can help them get ahead at work. Nearly four out of five respondents view volunteering as an opportunity to develop such career skills as decision-making, problem-solving, negotiating and motivating others. Commissioned by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, the survey also revealed that 93 percent of the workforce believes that community service enhances leadership skills, 89 percent agreed that it enhances one’s ability to achieve results and 88 percent said volunteering helps enhance decisionmaking skills. These results con- firm that community service offers the opportunity to gain valuable professional skills while making a significant social contribution. “Communities rely on volunteer support and weall have a responsibility to get involved,” said James H. Quigley, CEO of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. “What we have seen at Deloitte, which is reinforced by the survey, is that volunteering offers people a way to develop the skills they need to be successful at work while making a contribution to their communities. There is no question that volunteering is an outstanding professional development tool because of the real experience it provides.” The findings support the case for corporate volunteer programs which, according to the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Cen- IMPACT Day, among manyother activities. ter National Network, are increas- ingly being tied to business objectives. For example, Deloitte encourages all of its 30,000 people to set aside their work to volunteer on IMPACT Day, its national day of community service. On IMPACT Day, in cities across the country, Deloitte employees address a variety of social issues includingliteracy and learning, homelessness, neighborhood restoration and revitalization, and affordable housing development. In addition to contributing their time and talent to the community, participation in IMPACT Day provides Deloitte’s people with the opportunity to hone their professional skills. While supporting a nonprofit of their choice, the volunteers will enhance their leadership and teaming skills, while motivating others and working to achieve results. “Most people are well aware of the effect volunteering can have in our communities,” said Robert K. Goodwin, President and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Net- work. “The results of this survey indicate that people realize volunteering is mutually beneficial not only on a personal level but also professionally, which is important to the community, company, and employees.” “IMPACT Dayis a reflection of our values and our overall com- mitment to the community,” said Quigley. “One of the reasons IMPACT Dayis so effective is because our people get as much from volunteering as they give.” Deloitte also supports its people’s commitment to the community throughout the year. Goodwin noted many companies set strong examples whenit comes to employee volunteer programs. “Deloitte is one organization that really understands the importance of volunteering, and they are known for giving their people the time to get out and give back. IMPACT Day is a solid example of their commitment to service,” he added.
