Good Works in the Workplace: Volunteerism Boosts Morale and Teamwork

Tips for Building On-The-Job Camaraderie Through Charity

HOUSTON, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As businesses strive to be good corporate
citizens, many also support their employees' charitable activities. By
balancing the needs of the employer and employees, volunteer work can build
teamwork and improve morale and job performance.
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"Employees work as a team to get the job done and often that camaraderie
extends beyond the office. They appreciate the opportunity to get involved
with causes at a hands-on level," says Lo Lyons, Program Sales Manager with
ExpressJet Airlines. http://www.expressjet.com
After she, her mother, and her aunt, were simultaneously diagnosed with
breast cancer, Lyons sprang into action for the cause of early detection for
all.
"This cause was close to me, and many of my closest friends are my
co-workers," said Lyons. "We formed a walking team and raised money for the
Susan G. Komen Foundation's Race for the Cure. My company and my co-workers
have been some of my greatest supporters."
Employee morale at work also gets a boost from employee charitable efforts
after hours.
"Today's employees are concerned about whether the values of the company
for which they work are compatible with their own personal viewpoints," said
business consultant Roger E. Herman.
Mark Silver, a retired Navy pilot and motorcycle enthusiast who flies for
ExpressJet Airlines, joined the first annual Texas Honor Ride to raise money
for wounded soldiers and their families. The group of motorcycle clubs rode
across the state to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. With one
email, Silver kick-started a movement that spread through the company.
"To be able to ride together, as a team, as co-workers, and to be able to
give something back to those who gave us so much, truly made us proud of
ExpressJet," Silver said.
Lyons and Silver advise employees to be thoughtful and strategic when
reaching out to recruit fellow employees for charitable causes. Lyons gives
these tips:
1. Before sending out correspondence, contact the company's HR department
for guidance or consent.
2. Research and familiarize yourself with your cause and organization to
make your appeal as universal as possible.
3. Email is the best method to reach out to colleagues, but exercise
caution not to bombard your co-workers.
4. Refrain from language or references that are political or religious.
5. Think of creative ways to get co-workers involved. Lyons bakes
"Cupcakes for the Cure" to encourage early cancer detection.
6. Offer alternatives for those who cannot participate in the event or
donate funds. A colleague of Lyons' hosted a post-walk brunch and those who
could not walk or donate financially came to the brunch to show their support.
SOURCE ExpressJet

Kristy Nicholas of ExpressJet, +1-832-353-1409,
kristy.nicholas@expressjet.com