Easy to Say - Harder to Do!
A lot of voluntary work can often be undertaken in the workplace by staff who also have to hold down their day-to-day job. Some will be union members. Others will not.
Volunteers at work often agree to be:-
? Health and Safety Committee Members
? Mental Health First Aiders
? Equality and Diversity Champions
? Works Council or Employee Forum Representatives
? First Contacts at Induction for New Starters
? Seasonal Work Event helpers -socials and leaving parties
Complex time-consuming activities undertaken by these volunteers can include:-
? Helping to drive through new policies and procedures on emerging topics such as the menopause or sexual harassment prevention
? Consultation and negotiations around redundancy and TUPE
? New training and awareness sessions
Line managers should always try to ensure that the time required to fulfil these roles does not have a negative impact on the volunteers day to day paid responsibilities but should be sufficient to enable them to carry out duties effectively.
Easy to Say -Harder to Do!
It’s a tricky balancing act especially since many of the voluntary duties will require time BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the given volunteer activity.
What happens in your workplace?
If you need any help with setting up clear frameworks to achieve the balance and/or need training for any of your staff volunteering, do get in touch
#employeerepresentatives