The Transformative Power of Give Back Days by Sigalle Barness

Author: Sigalle Barness, Chief Communications Officer

The evolution of employee well-being has a profound impact on not only the employee, but the sphere of community engagement as well. The introduction of "give back" days — additional days off granted by employers for employees to engage and volunteer with their communities— marks a pivotal shift toward a more holistic view of employee well-being and corporate social responsibility.

Give back days serve not only as a testament to a company's commitment to societal betterment but also empower employees to invest in causes they are passionate about without sacrificing their personal time or financial security. This policy acknowledges employees as multifaceted individuals with desires to contribute to the world beyond the confines of their professional roles.

“By affording parents the flexibility to engage in their children's school activities without the fear of professional repercussions or lost income, companies can significantly enhance the quality of life for their employees and, by extension, their families.”

For working parents, the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments is well-documented. School events, classroom volunteering, and other daytime activities often fall squarely within traditional work hours, making participation a logistical challenge for many. This reality can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's children's educational experiences and the broader school community.

The fusion of remote work capabilities with give back days presents an important solution to this quandary. By affording parents the flexibility to engage in their children's school activities without the fear of professional repercussions or lost income, companies can significantly enhance the quality of life for their employees and, by extension, their families.

Let me share a personal story that illustrates the transformative impact of this approach. Recently, my company's policy on give back days allowed me to engage in an incredibly rewarding experience at my child's school. I chose to utilize a give back day to participate in a Global Culture Day at my son’s school where I shared my family's rich traditions with kindergarten and first grade students. I shared tales passed down through generations, emphasizing the values of empathy, courage, and communication through cooking. 

This workshop not only provided a unique learning experience for the students but also allowed me to showcase a deeply personal aspect of my cultural heritage. Most importantly, I was able to see my son in the classroom, see him proudly introduce me to his friends, and be proud that I was setting an example for him and other students to share their authentic selves in this way. This experience underscored for me the profound impact that corporate policies, when thoughtfully implemented, can have on individual lives and the broader community.

“The message is clear: when employers acknowledge and support the multifaceted lives of their employees, everyone benefits – from the individual to the corporation, to society at large.”

The benefits of this approach extend beyond the immediate family unit and the classroom. Companies that champion give back days as part of their corporate culture foster a sense of purpose and connection among their workforce, which can translate into increased job satisfaction, employee retention, and even positive brand perception in the broader market.

In essence, by embracing policies that recognize employees as whole beings with commitments and interests outside of work, companies can play a pivotal role in nurturing more vibrant, engaged, and cohesive communities. The message is clear: when employers acknowledge and support the multifaceted lives of their employees, everyone benefits – from the individual to the corporation, to society at large.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern work-life balance, it’s imperative that more companies consider integrating give back days into their employee benefits packages. Such policies not only facilitate meaningful community engagement but also reinforce the notion that employees are valued not just for their professional contributions, but for their humanity as well.