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Volunteerism and Work is not a Zero Sum Game
Written by Buddy Hobart on August 10th, 2009
The USA Today recently ran an article discussing the growth of volunteerism in America in 2008. Overall, more than 1 million more people volunteered in 2008 than in 2007. This increase represents a 2% overall increase.
In the 16-24 young adult category (Gen Y), the increase is over 5.7%! This latest data would seem to support the research in Gen Y Now that young Americans give their time to charity causes at a higher rate than any previous generation. If Gen Y were lazy or slackers, why would they be giving away their time and talent? Also, it has been my experience that donated time is hard work…the ‘heavy lifting’ for non-profit organizations. There is nothing easy about it. Slackers need not apply.
I think Gen Y gives their time because they know their efforts MATTER. Gen Y also knows that they can learn valuable skills as they contribute to a cause larger than themselves.
In order for business to maximize their Gen Y talent, these two components must be present in the job. Gen Y is asking ‘how do my efforts make a difference’ and ‘how can I continue to learn and grow’. If the workplace is answering these 2 issues, then Gen Y will be fully engaged at work.
Finally, I STRONGLY believe that if Gen Y is fully engaged at work they WILL NOT reduce their rate of volunteerism. Gen Y will not divert their time from non-profit causes to work projects. It is not a zero sum game. Gen Y will ADD to their schedule, not trade one for the other. At that point, Gen Y will feel fulfilled on both fronts. What could be better than that?
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