Volunteer day as a "benefit" (employee, job, company)

[KonaldDuth]

One of my company's "benefits" is that an employee can get a paid day off if he or she instead volunteers in the community.

So let me get this straight ... I would rather scrub dishes in a soup kitchen or pick up trash on the sidewalk, than sit in a comfy chair at my desk and write code while listening to music?

[Moby Hick]

I did it at my employer. I'm glad my job lets me sit at my desk, but a change for a single day is nice. Plus, we get a free t-shirt and lunch. Plus, we usually run out of work and get to go home early.

I got to make meatballs in a soup kitchen. I never knew my hands could get to cold making meatballs because I never made that many before.

[Mr_Geek]

Plus some people like volunteering in general.

[Rowan123]

Originally Posted by KonaldDuth

One of my company's "benefits" is that an employee can get a paid day off if he or she instead volunteers in the community.

So let me get this straight ... I would rather scrub dishes in a soup kitchen or pick up trash on the sidewalk, than sit in a comfy chair at my desk and write code while listening to music?

I think it's a great benefit but then I volunteer anyway. However, I don't think anyone should be forced to participate. Volunteering is supposed to be about helping others, it's not supposed to be about you.

[clawsondude]

I don't see why you look at this in such a negative light. My company does the same thing. I am signed up to do a rehabilitation project at a local park next month. It will involve replacing an old fence. I for one am happy to have the opportunity to get outside and do some physical labor for a change. It also feels nice to do something good for the community. I'm guessing this isn't mandatory for you, so what is the problem?

[joe from dayton]

I think it is a great idea. Some people actually think about others less fortunate than themselves and like to help out.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by KonaldDuth

One of my company's "benefits" is that an employee can get a paid day off if he or she instead volunteers in the community.

So let me get this straight ... I would rather scrub dishes in a soup kitchen or pick up trash on the sidewalk, than sit in a comfy chair at my desk and write code while listening to music?

Yes.

[Girl]

Originally Posted by KonaldDuth

One of my company's "benefits" is that an employee can get a paid day off if he or she instead volunteers in the community.

So let me get this straight ... I would rather scrub dishes in a soup kitchen or pick up trash on the sidewalk, than sit in a comfy chair at my desk and write code while listening to music?

My company offers this and my department opted to do a volunteer event together as a group. We had a blast hanging out together in a non-work environment but still doing something good for the community.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by joe from dayton

I think it is a great idea. Some people actually think about others less fortunate than themselves and like to help out.

This.

A great way to help those who don't have that cushy office and a great job.

[kjg1963]

We get 16 hours of volunteer pay. I participated in a state park clean up (amazing what ends up in the creek). Pizza and snacks were provided. The most recent one that some employees took part in was releasing 40 bags of oyster hatchlings into the Chesapeake Bay. Apparently, everyone had fun getting very muddy and wet.