Join us for a session on actionable strategies for planning a comprehensive volunteering calendar, setting targets, and aligning them with organizational goals
In the colorful world of Corporate Volunteering, recognition programs serve as a vital thread that honors employee contributions and enhances impact. A recent webinar featuring thought leaders from Goodera and Arrow Electronics spotlighted the transformative potential of celebrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community engagement. The discussion danced through various innovative recognition strategies, peer-to-peer nominations that build camaraderie, inspiring leadership messages, storytelling that animates personal experiences, and gamification that turns participation into a playful challenge. Additionally, the importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive recognition practices across global teams was emphasized, revealing that such acknowledgment can transform sporadic volunteering into a lasting culture of giving. By nurturing an environment where employee engagement thrives, these programs deepen the ripples of community impact and pave the way for a future rich in collective purpose and shared success.
Q: Can you introduce yourselves and your roles?
A: Missy Peck (Host, Senior Director of Global Engagement at Goodera): I lead Global Employee Engagement and Volunteering Programs at Goodera. My focus is on creating meaningful employee engagement opportunities through corporate volunteering and CSR programs.
A: Meire Braga (Corporate Affairs Manager, Global Volunteer Engagement at Arrow Electronics): I manage employee volunteering initiatives at Arrow Electronics, focusing on fostering engagement, recognition, and impact through structured programs.
Q: Why are recognition programs important in corporate volunteering?
A: Meire Braga (Arrow Electronics): Recognition drives motivation. When employees are acknowledged for their volunteering efforts, they feel valued and are more likely to stay engaged. Recognition programs create stronger connections between employees and the company, highlighting corporate social responsibility as a cultural value.
A: Missy Peck (Goodera): Recognition sustains momentum. Volunteering is often driven by passion, and structured recognition programs—whether through awards, features, or leadership shout-outs—help institutionalize that passion across employee engagement initiatives.
Q: What types of recognition programs are most effective?
A: Meire Braga (Arrow Electronics):
- Spotlight features in newsletters and intranets
- Certificates of appreciation for volunteers
- Opportunities for employees to lead future volunteering activities
A: Missy Peck (Goodera):
- Pre-packaged recognition kits make it easy for volunteer champions
- Gamification, badges, leaderboards, and milestones keep engagement fun
- Recognizing team-based volunteering as well as individual contributions
Q: How do recognition programs impact employee engagement?
A: Meire Braga (Arrow Electronics): Recognition increases retention and strengthens alignment with company values. Employees who feel acknowledged are more engaged not just in volunteering, but also in their professional roles.
A: Missy Peck (Goodera): It helps maintain volunteer momentum year-round, ensuring programs aren’t limited to one-off events but integrated into the company’s employee engagement strategy.
Q: What are some challenges in running recognition programs?
A: Meire Braga (Arrow Electronics): Ensuring fairness across global teams is a challenge. Recognition must be inclusive and not favor specific regions, causes, or individuals.
A: Missy Peck (Goodera): Another challenge is sustainability, ensuring recognition programs remain fresh, consistent, and aligned with changing CSR priorities.
Q: Best practices for implementing recognition in volunteering programs?
- Start small but be consistent with recognition efforts
- Use both formal and informal channels (emails, intranet, events)
- Involve leadership and managers to reinforce importance
- Highlight stories, not just numbers; impact narratives inspire more than metrics alone
- Keep recognition inclusive and accessible across all geographies
