In-House Volunteer Programme

Organisation Name

Citigroup UK

Problem

As a global company doing business in over 100 countries, Citigroup needed to create a strategy to enable and engage its 300,000 employees across the world. Such a programme would inevitably prevent:

  • A lack of co-ordination and the misuse of potential synergy
  • Miscommunication

Solution

Citigroup volunteers engage in their communities in a range of roles. They act as e-mentors, business advisers, board members and even construction workers!

Citigroup's volunteer efforts were recognised through national awards in Spain, Poland and Turkey and the company continues to foster a volunteerism culture and encourage employees to get involved by offering exciting new opportunities.

In 2005, Citigroup completed the launch of the "Global Volunteer Initiative", making it available to employees worldwide. This program has allowed for further synergies within markets and has added value to the company’s strong tradition of volunteerism.

The "Global Volunteer Initiative" has three parts:

  • Volunteer Day: Eligible employees can take one Volunteer Day each calendar year to volunteer for the eligible organisation of their choice.
  • Volunteer Incentive Programme (VIP): Eligible employees who volunteer 50 or more hours in a 12-month period for an eligible organisation will be recognised by Citigroup contributing $500 USD to that organisation.
  • Volunteer Tracking System: Employees may use this optional electronic system to track their volunteer hours and locate volunteering opportunities.

Constraints

  • Raising awareness among employees.

Benefits

  • Increased participation and interest in corporate volunteerism throughout the company helped create a strong platform and a communication channel to further engage staff.
  • Pushes corporate voluntary work to the forefront, establishing links and partnerships between companies and strengthening the case for corporate voluntary work across Europe.
  • The Citigroup Foundation supports projects and programmes that rely on voluntary work for success. Employee involvement is a key determining factor in whether a programme receives grant support.
  • Communities in which Citigroup operates are an important source of talent and the company does business and work in partnership with them regularly.
  • Strengthening communities, whether it be volunteers building homes, delivering financial education or encouraging micro-entrepreneurs, ultimately every action that is taken contributes to Citigroup’s ability to do business in this market.

Period Of Implementation

Launched in 2005 - Ongoing

Place Of Implementation

Worldwide

Themes

Stakeholder Engagement
Other Themes

Solution Champion

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