Most people don’t talk about their volunteering at work.
But here’s why you should tell your employer.
You may feel like volunteering is something you do on our own time.
Quietly.
Without fuss.
But making it known at work can make a big difference.
Not because you’re asking for anything.
But because most people want the best for others.
This is something I genuinely believe.
When someone hears you’re giving your time to a cause, they’ll usually want to support you.
And this support could come in many forms.
Extra leave.
Access to resources.
Or simply making it easier for you to keep showing up where it matters.
On one hand, you could argue that companies aren’t purely altruistic.
Companies want to be known as places where people care, and when you share that you volunteer, it reflects well on the company.
But you also need to appreciate the impact your volunteering could have on your fellow employees.
It adds to the kind of culture people want to be part of.
And there’s a bonus you might not have thought about.
You could be showcasing skills as a volunteer that you’re not using in your current job, which your employer would find valuable.
If your employer learns about this, it can shape your next career move.
Plus, the more people who hear about your cause, the more likely they are to get involved.
I know people volunteer because they’re seeking nothing in return.
But I’m not telling you to make a big deal about it or promote yourself to gain something.
I’m just saying this is something that others WANT to know, for the right reasons.
They WANT to advance the prospects of your cause.
And they WANT to advance your prospects too.
So the next time you request leave for volunteering, bring your employer on the journey.
Don’t keep it hidden.
You should be pleasantly surprised by their response.