C11: Civic Engagement

(1 point)

INTENT

Encourage the creation of opportunities for individuals to become actively involved in and connected to the surrounding community through engagement and volunteerism. 

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility with a focus on charitable activities and contributions and voting support.

ISSUE

Millennials (those born after 1982) represent an increasingly large segment of the workforce, yet surveys find that one in four millennials plan to quit their current employer in the next year. This lack of retention often stems from employee perception that company goals do not extend beyond profit. Companies that do not demonstrate stronger social values through community engagement initiatives experience lower employee morale, engagement, pride and productivity compared to companies that provide civic engagement opportunities like community volunteering.

SOLUTIONS

With a growing global millennial workforce, it is essential for companies to consider the link between corporate social reputation and talent attraction. There are a variety of ways to increase opportunities for civic engagement and establish a culture of social responsibility. Scheduling volunteer opportunities during work hours, providing paid time off to volunteer or vote and matching employee charitable contributions can all encourage participation in social, environmental and political affairs. Working with local or community organizations can also help enhance employees’ connections to and engagement with the surrounding community.

IMPACT

Providing opportunities for civic engagement can help create a positive, socially responsible work culture, enhance employee retention and organizational reputation and make a positive contribution to the local community. Purpose-driven companies that practice civic engagement through charitable contributions outperform counterparts in terms of business performance. Team volunteering and community engagement opportunities have been shown to enhance employee loyalty, team bonding, employee engagement and work satisfaction. Surveys have found that millennials are 24% more likely to recommend their workplace if the employer provides volunteer opportunities and that employees who participate in community engagement have 13% higher morale.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Promote Civic Engagement (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

Charitable activities:

At least two of the following requirements are met:

1. All eligible employees are given the option to take paid time off to participate in volunteer activities for at least 16 hours of paid time annually (separate from vacation, sick or other paid time off), with at least eight hours organized by the employer for a registered charity or non-profit.

2. Projects provide a list of volunteer opportunities in the project area and community, with at least one opportunity per month that would be suitable for employees. 

3. Projects contribute annually to a registered charity of employee’s choice to match employee donations, up to a maximum amount defined by the employer.

Voting opportunity:

All employees receive the following:

1. Timely reminders to register to vote for local and national elections, including instructions on how to register.

2. Timely reminders to submit absentee ballots for local and national elections.

3. Timely reminders to vote in local and national elections, including instructions on how to determine voting station. 

4. Leave to vote in national and local elections.

For Dwelling Units

Voting opportunity:

All residents receive the following:

1. Timely reminders to register to vote for local and national elections, including instructions on how to register.
2. Timely reminders to submit absentee ballots for local and national elections.
3. Timely reminders to vote in local and national elections, including instructions on how to determine voting station. 
4. Vans, shuttles or alternative enhanced transport to voting stations are provided on voting days if project is more than 800 m [0.5 mi] walk distance from a voting station.

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