• Happy Computers is an IT training company in London with 46 employees.
  The company aims to donate the equivalent of 20% of profits (in cash, gifts-in-kind and volunteering) to the community each year. It sustains this by focusing on the concept of 'mutual benefit': the investment should benefit both the community and the Company. It is currently partnering the Pan African Development, Education and Advocacy Programme, an organisation dedicated to assisting disadvantaged people across Africa. The aim is to use the Company's business skills and resources to help a computer training community group in Africa.

The results: Staff from Happy Computers have been able to access a series of challenging and valuable learning opportunities while volunteering at a community IT centre in Kampala, Uganda. There have also been marketing benefits resulting both from the press coverage and from winning a Special Commendation Award at the prestigious Institute of IT Training Awards in 2003.

• Stamco Timber is an independent privately owned timber and builders
  merchants company with 105 employees, based in St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex. Its diverse community programme aims to promote the business and develop the staff by providing support for local charities, community groups and projects. This involves employee volunteering, sponsorship, donation of produce to schools, and work placements. Over 35% of their staff are actively involved in the Stamco's community activity and on annual open days up to 60% of the workforce have been involved.

The results: By encouraging employees to get involved in the local community, Stamco has been better able to retain and motivate staff. Individuals have improved their confidence through talking to community groups which has helped to boostconfidence when talking to customers. Awareness of the business has increased in the community, and this has helped to attract new customers and retain both existing customers and suppliers.

• Employee volunteers are significantly more likely to feel pride about their workplace. There is an impact on motivation, skills development, team working and likelihood of staying with the company. Source: Employees of nine companies, Corporate Citizenship Company/MORI, 2001
• A survey of staff whose volunteering had been supported by their employers showed that 70% reported that, as well as personal or professional development, they had an improved perception of their company.  Source: FI Group (now Xansa UK), 2001
• 62% of businesses expect to increase the scope of their employee engagement in the community over the next two years. Source: ENGAGE research among managers worldwide, International Business Leaders Forum, October 2002