In May 2017, Forética will organize in Spain the 7th edition of Give & Gain Day -the International Week of Corporate Volunteering and Employee Social Action- which is the international initiative of volunteering promoted by companies that has greater relevance within the scope of Forética and has already become the reference event in this type of volunteering at the national level.
Every year, this initiative seeks to generate the greatest possible social impact , combining positive change in the environment with greater visibility of organizations committed to working for a better world. In this way, we help to recognize the positive contribution of companies in society and we also manage to highlight the work and dedication of corporate volunteers in the communities that need it most.
Forética, convinced of the importance of managing the social impact of organizations and the involvement of their employees in this, has been promoting this initiative in Spain for 7 years. In each edition we try to ensure that, together with companies, NGOs and volunteers, the maximum number of activities are carried out during the week in which the initiative takes place. Year after year the impact indicators are getting better and better.
Collaboration, a key element for high-impact corporate volunteering
Obviously we cannot achieve this alone. In 2016 the initiative was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen, the Hazloposible Foundation as a strategic partner, the institutional support of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, and the collaboration of the ATRESMEDIA Group as a media partner.
From May 17 to 24 of this year, many good things happened. First and foremost, we were able to carry out 73 corporate volunteer social projects throughout Spain. During the 7 days of the initiative, more than 1,300 employees from 43 companies had the commitment, will, energy and dedication necessary to make these activities a reality. It is important to thank the 66 social organizations that helped us, putting their resources and knowledge at the disposal of volunteers and companies and making the social projects happen where they are most needed. All together we managed to have a positive impact on more than 4,000 people, as well as natural spaces and parks.
In 2017, we are confident that together we can surpass these numbers. We want to involve more companies and social organizations, engage more volunteers and realize many more social projects that reach more beneficiaries.
Our internal studies show that more than 90% of the organizations that participate in volunteer activities want to repeat the experience. Human resources departments state that employees ' commitment and trust in the organization are strengthened, and that they even generate skills in the volunteers that they can later apply in their jobs. The social organizations, for their part, obtain support for activities that, without the help of the companies and their volunteers, would be very difficult to carry out. Finally, it is shown how many of these activities are the starting point for collaborations between social organizations and companies that ultimately become strategic agreements that, sustainable over time, achieve very high levels of positive social impact.
Corporate volunteering is a strategic element that companies can count on to impact and improve their relationship with the community, while at the same time it is directly related to employee engagement and the development of personal and professional skills.
What are you waiting for to join us?
