In a significant development for corporate volunteering and community engagement in Alberta, Manulife has introduced a comprehensive volunteer initiative focused on enhancing employee well-being, building social connections, and uniting its workforce through hands-on local involvement. This new effort underscores the importance of employee engagement and community action in the broader region.

Impact Week Spurs Community Action Across Alberta

Central to the volunteer initiative is Impact Week, a new program that allows Manulife’s 37,000 employees—including those based in Alberta—to dedicate paid time to volunteering. Held from April 27 to May 1 in both Canada and the United States, Impact Week saw staff commit 21,724 volunteer hours and participate in 234 activities across 22 communities. Staff supported causes vital to communities in Alberta, such as health, financial resilience, food security, and education, marking a clear commitment to regional well-being.

Pioneering Paid Volunteer Days to Support Employee Well-Being

Manulife has made paid volunteer days a core benefit for its workforce. By providing a full day each year for employees to volunteer, the company aims to foster stronger employee well-being and help staff build lasting relationships both within and outside the organization. This approach not only enhances morale but also aligns with contemporary practices in employee engagement across Alberta’s leading employers.

Team Grants Encourage Localized Community Action

As part of the initiative, teams were awarded team grants to encourage creative, self-directed volunteer projects. This element of the program empowered employees at all levels to design and implement activities that address specific community needs in Alberta, strengthening bonds among colleagues and ensuring regional relevance. Pragashini Fox, Manulife’s chief people officer, highlighted that such opportunities build a sense of connection and belonging, reinforcing shared purpose across diverse teams.

The Health Benefits of Volunteering

Research cited by Manulife points to a range of health benefits associated with volunteering, such as improved physical and mental health, lower stress levels, and better cognitive functioning. Karen Leggett, the company’s global chief marketing officer, emphasized that volunteering serves not only as a means of community support but also a way to foster personal resilience and contribute to longevity among employees. The initiative thus acknowledges that social connection, purpose, and active engagement are pivotal for both individual and organizational health.

Strengthening Employee Engagement and Social Connection

By championing employee engagement through structured volunteer opportunities, Manulife is setting an example for other corporations in Alberta. Regular corporate volunteering enables individuals to build invaluable networks, enhance their skill sets, and boost their sense of social connection. The organization’s efforts are grounded in the belief that a focus on employee well being makes for a more collaborative, resilient, and productive workforce.

Volunteering Benefits Reach Beyond the Workplace

The volunteering benefits offered by Manulife extend beyond traditional workplace boundaries. While employees serve local organizations, schools, and non-profits, the ripple effects are felt across Alberta’s towns and cities. These efforts demonstrate the positive influence of giving back not just on those served but also on the volunteers themselves, creating a cycle of well-being and shared purpose.

Setting a New Standard for Corporate Volunteering in Alberta

Manulife’s robust approach to fostering employee well-being and championing community action through corporate volunteering places it at the forefront of workplace innovation in the region. With programs like paid volunteer days, Impact Week, and targeted team grants, the company is making a substantial impact on both its workforce and the communities it serves in Alberta. This noteworthy volunteer initiative serves as an example for other organizations seeking to combine business goals with social responsibility and long-lasting community impact.