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36 BCBusiness November 2014 adam blasberg of 21 and 35 employed by large compa- nies. Those employees who participated in company-supported volunteer activi- ties were twice as likely to rate their cor- porate culture as very positive and twice as likely to be satisfied with their career progress. More than half of those who volunteered—52 per cent—said they felt very loyal to their company, compared to 33 per cent of non-volunteers. It's critical, however, that employ- ees feel their volunteer efforts are pro- ductive and making a real difference to communities—and their careers. Deloitte's research found 51 per cent of the young workers surveyed said they wanted to benefit professionally from their volunteer activities. And it's not just younger workers who are looking to companies to help provide meaningful volunteer oppor- tunities, according to Paula Speevak of Volunteer Canada, an Ottawa-based nonprofit that champions and provides resources and consulting to support volunteering. "Many Baby Boomers, particularly younger ones, are talking about wanting meaning in their lives and making a difference for someone." A 2010 research study by Volunteer Canada found volunteers of all ages want opportunities that enhance their skills and produce measurable results. And they want to be involved with non- profits that are organized and efficient, and clearly communicate expectations. Darrell Ert, founder and president of ES3 Insurance Services, has made support for volunteering a core value at his company. The ES3 team knew it wanted to do more than write cheques for charities, Ert says, and that support- ing communities was part of its vision. But developing a successful volunteer program for the 16-year-old company and its 12 employees started with a lot of trial and error, he says. ES3 eventually called on Inspire Canada for help. "We look for something that is aligned with our resources and com- petencies," says Ert. For example, ES3 helps companies develop and admin- ister employee benefit plans. The ES3 team has begun talking to the benefit providers it works with about creating a foundation or alliance to deliver den- tal services to people who can't afford them. "It's a very important project for all of us," Ert says. ES3 provides other opportunities, including a half-day a month of paid time off to contribute as volunteers in the community. The company has held "Pay-It-Forward" days where employees develop and implement their own com- munity projects and done group volun- teering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. "When you can add that element of humanity into the work environment, it creates more passion and community in the office." When choosing a nonprofit part- ner—for a short- or long-term commit- ment—you want an organization that's credible, respected and working in an area that your clients, or your employ- ees, will see as important. You also want to work with an organization that needs your employees' skills. Best Buy Canada, for example, looks for projects that focus on kids and technology. The benefits of these sorts of partner- ship are clear. But to reap them, busi- nesses need to think seriously about CORE COMPONENT Darrell Ert, president of ES3 Insurance Services, has made volunteering a company value.