Finding new ways to maintain or boost staff morale is a constant challenge for managers. Encouraging staff to take part in volunteer or charity work is a good way to build team spirit and Volunteering England - a charity which supports and promotes volunteering - says research shows that businesses which encourage and support staff who volunteer for community and charity projects gain a number of advantages. Employer supported volunteering can help not only by reducing employee turnover, recruitment and training costs, but also through increasing employee motivation and productivity. Volunteering England quotes a Corporate Citizenship Company’s 2003 study entitled ‘Good Companies, Better Employees’ which identified morale, motivation, commitment and performance as among the most important benefits of community involvement. In July businesses and organisations across the Island have the ideal opportunity for staff to help their community. Children’s Week runs from July 10 to July 16 and there will be around 70 activities, many of which welcome volunteers to organise or help out. Grace Phillips is Community Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre and is co-ordinating the charity’s plans for Children’s Week. She said: “For the second year running, the Isle of Man is the only area in the British Isles to celebrate Children’s Week which is an initiative designed to celebrate and engage with children across the Isle of Man. The Children’s Centre has been working alongside local communities to co-ordinate series of positive events and activities for all children, young people and families. Activities range from breastfeeding groups, mums and tots events, drama days, adventure sessions, sports, art and much, much more. But The Children’s Centre cannot do this alone. We are keen to foster support from businesses, asking them to engage with families and children in their own community. Not only will this add a sense of cohesion to your team, but it could serve to break down barriers and showcase just how much this Island has to offer.” She added that it was hoped businesses would encourage their staff to support Children’s Week – particularly in light of evidence which suggests that community minded employers have happier and more successful staff. Grace added: “Encouraging your team to actively engage with community projects through volunteering schemes can affect staff commitment, motivation and reduce sickness. Why not encourage your staff to hold an event or participate in one that is already up and running? We believe that businesses which do participate will reap the benefits, and so will the children.” Grace suggested the following ideas as examples of how businesses could support Children’s Week: • “Cakes for Kids” office bake sale • Bring your child to work day • Sponsorship events e.g. set up a race or a tournament • Donate an hour’s wages to a local children’s charity or community group • Organise a beach/park/street clean • Organise a family fun day If you would like to support Children’s Week 2011 email gracephillips@thechildrenscentre.org.im or call Grace on 631944. - ENDS -