Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the U. S. television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, shared a quote that I often reflect on. He said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
This quote came to mind when I saw a group of Schneider Electric employees and veterans volunteer to help set-up microgrids for emergency power in North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. I also recalled it when employees in the Los Angeles area volunteered at the food bank several weeks in a row to assemble food kits for people impacted by the destructive wildfires. I’ve thought of it countless times, as I am always proud to see our employees and our company step-up in times of need.
In 2024, our North America employees volunteered 27,000 hours and Schneider Electric North America donated $9.3 million in cash and products to support over 1,500 non-profit organizations.
Employee volunteerism is more than just a feel-good initiative; it’s a powerful strategy that benefits employees, companies, and communities alike. Here are a few key benefits.
Boosts employee well-being and engagement
Similar to the pride I feel when I see our employee ‘helpers,’ volunteerism profoundly impacts well-being and engagement. Employees who work at corporations with volunteer programs are five times more engaged than their counterparts at businesses without equivalent programs. When employees contribute to meaningful causes, their sense of purpose and connection to their work increases.
The first house I helped build for Habitat for Humanity was a transformative experience. I recently spoke about it at the organization’s partner conference. We’ve worked with Habitat for more than 30 years and every house built is eligible for Schneider Electric products at no cost to help the families save energy and dollars. Bridging company purpose and products to giving is a powerful example of our daily impact and especially rewarding to employees.
Improves company reputation
Corporate volunteerism enhances a company’s brand and reputation. Companies that actively engage in volunteer opportunities are seen as socially responsible, which is attractive to investors, customers, and potential employees. This positive image can boost recruitment and retention efforts, as job seekers often prioritize working for companies that align with their values. New employees at Schneider Electric in North America receive $25 to donate to the non-profit of their choice. On day one, we want our employees to understand how much we value our commitment to our purpose and giving back.
Directly benefits our employees
Volunteering is a great way for employees to learn and enhance skills like leadership, problem-solving, networking and project management.
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering can improve a person’s physical and mental health, reduce stress, and decrease the risk of general illness. By encouraging employee volunteering, companies can ensure that they report to work each day feeling ready and eager to put in their best efforts.
The American Red Cross has been a Schneider Electric partner for more than 75 years and I serve on the regional board in Massachusetts. I can personally attest to the positive impact that spending time with such an incredible organization has on my life. It can be motivating, inspiring and humbling and often gives me insight and perspective on issues in my community and the world. In all, I know I am a better leader at Schneider Electric because of the impact that my volunteer experiences played in developing the person I am today.
To encourage volunteerism in the U.S., we offer a Dollars for Doers program in which an employee receives $25 to donate to the charity of their choice for every hour of volunteering. We’ll also provide support for team volunteer events and activities. To support giving, we match employee donations dollar for dollar up to $5K. We also provide grants and support to non-profits annually through our foundation.
I’d like to thank all our employees who dedicate their time and energy to making an impact. Your efforts are truly inspiring and a testament to the power of collective action.
Together, we can make a significant impact on our communities, uplift those in need, and create a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Interested in joining us? Explore job openings and join the Schneider Electric talent community.
About the author
Mai Lan Nguyen, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Schneider Electric
As HR Leader for North America, Mai Lan partners with a team of highly talented HR professionals to execute a people strategy that engages employees to perform their best work. By shaping a great employee experience through innovative people policies and inclusive programming enabled by digital, she’s driving business success and growth. Mai Lan defines herself as a global nomad and has been with Schneider Electric for 20 years.
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