The employer's perspective
Lee Nicholls, employer brand and values manager at Simplyheath, explained that the community events at hospices helped to build commitment from employees, both among those who took part and across the organisation.
"We gained so much from working with Help the Hospices on our community event. Because the hospices were located near to all of our places of work, our staff were able to volunteer at a local hospice in their community. This really helped build employee engagement; people were able to get to know one another while doing something that made such a difference."
"Making the film about our community event enabled us to connect with everyone across Simplyhealth. The benefits for all involved are clearly there to be seen. I hope other organisations take the opportunity to be involved with something so worthwhile."
An employee's perspective
Georgina Field, an employee of Healthsure who helped build a greenhouse at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham, commented:
"My Dad spent a short time in a hospice and the way he was treated with such dignity was beautiful. I just want to give something back and this day allows me to do just that as I don’t have the time available ordinarily."
The hospice's perspective
Glinys Hartley, volunteer coordinator at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, summed up the project:
"The whole day was uplifting, the drive and enthusiasm was infectious and the place was buzzing all day."
Simplyhealth video
Watch how one hundred of Simplyhealth's staff took part in a volunteering day in support of five hospices across the UK.