Activating Corporate Talent: The Andersen Windows & Doors Approach to Pro Bono Volunteerism
In a world where corporate social responsibility has transcended catchwords to become an essential component of organizational identity, pro bono volunteerism has emerged as a powerful force for positive change. Andersen Windows & Doors embarked on their pro bono journey in 2021. The catalyst for this initiative was the COVID pandemic, which disrupted traditional in-person volunteer opportunities. Determined to uphold their commitment to community service, even while transitioning to remote work, Andersen sought innovative avenues for employees to give back. The result was an embrace of pro bono volunteerism, setting the stage for a remarkable partnership with HandsOn Twin Cities, a collaboration that has evolved and grown since its beginning.
Exploring Purposeful Partnerships:
Through their pro bono work, Andersen has enjoyed meeting and meaningfully partnering with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Andersen identifies the skills available for each program and makes themselves available to support any nonprofit needing that expertise. Relying on HandsOn, with our experience and connections, Andersen has been connected with new local nonprofits in each engagement.
“HandsOn has been an expert guide through the process of finding the right nonprofit partners and helping to set both our volunteers and nonprofit partners up for a successful experience.”
Corporations are increasingly engaging in pro bono programs, partnering with small businesses and nonprofits to share knowledge, tools, and resources to address organizational challenges and enhance capacity (Holly, 2019). At Andersen, they’ve genuinely integrated pro bono programming into their IT department. Their Chief Digital Officer is a dedicated advocate for this endeavor and makes a commitment twice a year to engaging in pro bono programming, hand-selecting teams from the many new and returning team members who volunteer. They see the value in both the impact they can provide to nonprofits and the personal and professional growth they offer to their team.
Empowering Employees through Pro Bono Volunteerism:
Pro bono volunteerism has emerged as an innovative element of Andersen's community engagement efforts, embodying their commitment to creating a positive impact. By allowing employees to channel their specialized skills into volunteer projects, Andersen has witnessed a significant amplification of their societal contributions. The impact has reverberated not only externally but internally as well, fostering team-building and collaboration. Teams, familiar with each other in a professional context, have found new avenues to strengthen their relationships. Furthermore, this initiative has fostered connections among employees who may not typically collaborate, enriching the organizational culture.
“Employee volunteers consistently tell us that pro bono is one of the most engaging, exciting, and rewarding volunteer opportunities they’ve participated in.”
For most companies, pro bono programs are seen as more than just acts of goodwill; they represent a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections and personal growth among their employees. The positive outcomes ripple through the organization, encompassing not only elevated employee satisfaction and engagement but also strengthening retention rates and paving the way for employee advancement. In a survey conducted by Taproot, companies were asked to prioritize the six most common business objectives sought through their pro bono initiatives, as outlined in the 'Business Value of Pro Bono' resource. At the top of the responses, developing talent and leaders was ranked highest as the most important, followed by taking social impact further, fostering a strong culture, cultivating workforce, fostering innovation, and then building a company brand.
Aligning Actions with Values: Andersen's Commitment to Society:
Andersen, with its long-standing dedication to corporate citizenship and the fundamental belief that every interaction should be mutually beneficial, has found in pro bono volunteerism a strong embodiment of its values. The initiative allows them to harness the skills and generosity of their employees, fostering genuine partnerships with local nonprofits. This cooperative relationship strengthens communities and offers a fulfilling experience to all involved. In this dedication to pro bono work, Andersen is living their principles of ensuring that everyone touched by their influence, be it customers, employees, or communities, finds value in the interaction.
In their embrace of pro bono volunteerism, Andersen has exemplified how corporations, through strategic partnerships and the commitment of their employees, can drive impactful change while nurturing a culture of giving back. As we delve deeper into the benefits of pro bono volunteerism, the Andersen partnership and impact stand as an inspiration, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate and purpose-driven corporate world.
If you are interested in learning more about how we can support your company with their pro bono engagements or how to get started, then contact Joy Altmann, Managing Director, Pro Bono Advisory Program.
Reference:
Holly, D. (2019, February 1). Building social sector capacity through a day of skilled service. Stanford Social Innovation Review. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/building_social_sector_capacity_through_a_day_of_skilled_service