At Volies, we see the impact of corporate volunteering every day. Comfama‘s Mentoring for More Conscious Companies program is one of those clear examples of the enormous potential it has. The purpose of this program is to accompany and motivate business leaders to begin or ratify their conscious practices through training in Conscious Capitalism and mentoring with volunteers.
This program not only transforms the organizations that participate, but also the volunteers who join the initiative. And from Volies, we have had the privilege of collaborating with Comfama in the evaluation of its impact, and the results are more than surprising.
What is Comfama and its relationship with Volies?
Comfama is a family compensation fund with more than 60 years of experience, dedicated to social, educational and community development in Colombia. Through innovative and sustainable programs, it promotes the integral wellbeing of families, the strengthening of communities and the progress of companies in the region.
Comfama has stood out for being a pioneer in implementing corporate volunteer programs, with a focus on mentoring that seeks to generate a positive impact on companies and society.
Through its Mentoring Program for More Conscious Companies, Comfama has facilitated companies from various industries to actively participate in social responsibility actions that not only benefit the communities, but also enrich the professional and personal development of the volunteers. This program fosters collaborative work between volunteers and non-profit organizations, providing strategic support and mentoring for social and educational projects.
At Volies, we work closely with Comfama to measure and enhance the impact of these initiatives, focusing on the development of key competencies in volunteers.
The Value of Mentoring in Corporate Volunteering
Volunteer mentoring is one of the most powerful ways in which corporate volunteering can impact professional development. In the Conscientious Business Mentoring Program, volunteers take on the role of mentors, helping organizations from different sectors cope with the implementation of conscious practices, while developing key skills in the process.
This type of volunteering has a direct impact on the effective communication of volunteers, who must learn to communicate with diverse audiences, transmit technical knowledge and build trust. In addition, adaptability is fostered, as they must adjust to new contexts and challenges, which reinforces their commitment to the companies and projects in which they participate.
Results: impact of corporate volunteering
With the clear objective of having evidence on the impact of corporate volunteering in relation to talent, in 2024, we evaluated 120 volunteers within the Mentoring Program for More Conscious companies, with a confidence margin of 6%. This represents a significant improvement over the 2022-2023 cohort (edition), where 116 volunteers were assessed with a 19% confidence margin. The analysis focused on five essential talents:
- Action orientation
- Adaptability
- Effective communication
- Complexity management
- Commitment to their companies
Volunteering: An intensive learning environment
The results of the study confirm that the Mindful Companies Mentoring Program has a significant positive impact on the development of key talent. According to academic studies and Voluntare‘s guide: “Desarrollo de competencias y habilidades a través del voluntariado corporativo”, out-of-comfort zone experiences are critical for intensive learning, allowing volunteers to transfer those skills to the work environment.
Volunteering not only benefits the organizations and communities with which volunteers work, but also enhances their professional skills, improving their performance and engagement in the work environment.
Why does volunteering drive talent development?
- Exposes volunteers to unfamiliar environments.
- Forces them to innovate and solve problems in real time.
- Encourages adaptability and use of skills in unfamiliar conditions.
In this context, the volunteers of the Conscientious Business Mentoring Program received training in conscious capitalism and mentoring beforehand, as well as specific tools to face the challenges of the program. This preparation, coupled with work in diverse contexts, promoted meaningful learning and transformative experiences.
Talents with the greatest impact
The analysis revealed that the talent with the greatest perceived impact was Effective Communication (9.1 out of 10), followed by Adaptability (9 out of 10). Management of Complexity (8.7 out of 10) and Action Orientation (8.4 out of 10) also stood out, demonstrating how volunteer mentoring can transform both individuals and organizations.
A model of Conscious Capitalism that generates value for everyone
Comfama’s corporate volunteering program not only aims to develop individual skills, but is also aligned with the principles of Conscious Capitalism. This business model promotes responsible and sustainable management, where companies seek to generate a positive impact on both society and the well-being of their employees.
More than 120 volunteers have participated in this transformative experience, contributing to the creation of a more conscious and ethical business environment. Companies that support this type of initiative demonstrate a real commitment to the development of their employees and social impact.
Do you want to implement a corporate volunteering program in your company?
If your company is looking to generate significant social impact and empower your team’s skills through corporate volunteering, you’re in the right place! At Volies, we help design and measure volunteer programs that transform people, organizations and communities.
📩 Contact us today and be part of the change.
