Helping teams move successfully through the stages of team development – forming, storming, norming, performing – depends a lot on how well the team leader promotes effective communication, and provides opportunities for the team to bond. These opportunities are often presented in the form of team outings, “trust” exercises and group dinners. Why not do something different? Something that will not only help the team, but also help the community in which they work: a team volunteer event.
In addition to bringing the team closer together and helping those in need, team community service can develop the skills of individual team members. Put someone who is not in a leadership role in charge of the event. Put someone else in charge of communications. Build collaboration by letting the team research and decide on the organization they will help. These skills will then translate back to the job and result in a higher performing team.
Research shows that companies who give back to their communities have better brand visibility, more highly-engaged employees and stronger relationships with their customers. With more than 60% of employees reporting that they are not engaged at work, providing opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways as a team outside of work may help them view the organization with new eyes and enthusiasm.
Here are a few organizations that have a strong tradition of helping the local community, plus opportunities for both monetary contributions and volunteer work.
Second Harvest Food Bank needs help packing and sorting the food it collects and provides to people in need in the community. This makes a great team event. Your employees may also want to help with food distribution.
You can also help Second Harvest by volunteering for or participating in the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
The Family Giving Tree offers several opportunities for group volunteering: Off-season product sorting; wish card sorting/collateral prep; and volunteering in the warehouse.
Save the Bay uses corporate volunteers to help in their restoration project of the San Francisco Bay.
The Silicon Valley chapter of the American Red Cross trains corporate groups to assist in disasters.
Additional group volunteer ideas are available at Volunteer San Jose.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
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