Date: 5th December 2024
Venue: President Hotel, Prabhat Road
In celebration of International Volunteers Day on 5th December 2024, the Seva Sahayog Foundation (SSF) hosted an impactful Employee Engagement Workshop, bringing together 33 representatives from 24 companies to discuss innovative ways to enhance CSR participation and foster a culture of community service.
Event Highlights
Opening Ceremony
The workshop commenced with the lighting of the diya by Ms. Anita Ghatnekar, Mr. Nikhil Bhilegaonkar, Mr. Upendra Kulkarni, and Mr. Vijay Joshi, symbolizing enlightenment and collective growth.
Introduction to SSF
Mr. Vinit Kondejkar introduced Seva Sahayog Foundation, shedding light on:
- SSF’s mission and dedication to mobilizing corporate volunteers.
- Its role in bridging the gap between corporates and impactful social initiatives.
Volunteer Engagement Experience
Ms. Anjali Vambhurkar shared her inspiring volunteer journey, highlighting:
- The personal and professional growth experienced through volunteering.
- How corporate volunteering aligns individual aspirations with organizational goals.
Individual Experience Sharing by Corporate Representatives
Ms. Suparna Pachpore (ZS Associates), Mr. Tushar Panat (Dassault Systèmes), and Ms. Pooja Javkhedkar (SailPoint Technologies) shared their experiences in organizing volunteer engagement activities with SSF and other NGOs. They discussed feedback from employees regarding employee engagement and opportunities for making volunteering initiatives more impactful for companies, employees, and NGOs alike.
Round Table Discussions
The workshop featured 11 round tables with active discussions led by corporate representatives, facilitated by Ms. Kavita Sathe. Participants explored key aspects of employee engagement for social causes, focusing on benefits, challenges, and expectations.
Key Takeaways:Benefits:
- Enhanced social awareness and empathy-building.
- Strengthened employee bonding and opportunities for meaningful social contributions.
Challenges:
- Difficulty in priority setting and ensuring sustainability.
- Logistical barriers and challenges posed by remote work dynamics.
- Expectations:
- Better alignment of CSR activities with employee skills.
- Regular updates on upcoming opportunities.
- Incorporating CSR into festivals and entertainment to encourage engagement.
Representatives from three tables presented their insights, fostering collaborative exchanges of ideas and strategies.
Keynote Speeches and Recognition
Awards Ceremony
Winners of the blog competition themed “Celebrating Volunteering” were honoured with trophies by Mr. Pravin Prapte, a core SSF volunteer, and Mr. Nikhil Bhilegaonkar, Chief Guest of the event.
- 1st Place: Prasad Tavate (Amdocs)
- 2nd Place: Hrisikesh Chawda (HSBC)
- 3rd Place: Ramesh Bindroo (Ideas Revenue Solutions) and Suvarna Khollam (HSBC Technologies)
Chief Guest Address
Mr. Nikhil Bhilegaonkar shared his insights on:
- How CSR initiatives positively impact organizational culture and employee morale.
- Developing employee engagement programs in his company.
- The importance of fostering family-like bonds through social engagement.
Concluding Remarks
Mr. Atul Nagas, Chairperson of SSF, concluded the event with an inspiring speech on:
- The historical and cultural importance of community service in Pune.
- The potential of NGO-corporate collaborations in driving impactful social change.
- Embracing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).
Networking and Closing
The workshop concluded with a high tea session, providing an excellent opportunity for participants to network and discuss future collaborations.
This workshop highlighted the growing synergy between NGOs and corporates, paving the way for impactful CSR initiatives and meaningful employee engagement.
