By Jonathan Smetherham, APAC Regional Director, 2CV

At 2CV, we usually share insights through the Asia Research Magazine about APAC consumer trends, or innovations in research methodologies. However, this time we want to reflect on something a bit different—our experiences as an SME giving back to the community through skills-based volunteering.

The Road Less Travelled

Over the years we’ve explored various ways to contribute to our community. We’ve also tried to engage with formal mentoring organizations, but our modest size has proved to be a barrier; larger organizations are better equipped to offer more structured programs at scale. This has led us to carve out our own path in community service, which has involved regularly offering work experience to students, sharing our expertise with local educational institutions and finding opportunities for pro-bono consulting.

That’s why it was such an honour to be invited to the opening of the Community Marketplace, an initiative hosted by the Singapore Business Federation to encourage businesses to give back to their local community, to share the experiences of 2CV’s Singapore office. 

Partnering with TalentTrust

One of our most successful partnerships has been with TalentTrust, a non-profit that matches business professionals with charities in need. Their expertise ensures our skills are effectively utilized to meet the specific needs of these organizations, maximizing benefits for both the non-profits and our team at 2CV.

improve operations and revenue, ensuring they could continue funding essential social programs. This project highlighted how strategic business insights can drive tangible results in the non-profit sector.

• 2022: We helped scope out an implementation plan for how research could be used as part of a broader roadmap to streamline operations in a local children’s cancer charity, thus enhancing impact.

• 2023: We supported a social enterprise in Singapore that aids disadvantaged individuals, including persons with disabilities, through training and employment. Our work involved researching brand perceptions and advising on a potential name change, balancing donor expectations, user needs, and stakeholder opinions—a complex but fulfilling challenge.

• 2024: We continue to assist a social enterprise offering counselling and dementia-related services for the elderly. Our focus has been on optimizing operations, aligning clinical needs with volunteer skills, and refining their brand positioning for long-term sustainability. This project involved collaboration with a diverse team of mentors, each contributing unique perspectives.

If you’re considering skills-based volunteering for your business, I can’t recommend TalentTrust enough. Their ability to connect businesses with meaningful volunteer opportunities ensures that your contributions make a real difference.

Why Skills-Based Volunteering is a Game-Changer

For smaller businesses like ours, skills-based volunteering offers a multitude of benefits:

Skill Development: Volunteering allows our employees to apply their business skills in new and diverse ways. This sharpens existing abilities and fosters the development of new ones. For example, working on projects for non-profits often presents unique challenges that require creative problem-solving—a skill that is highly transferable back in our core business. As one of our senior researchers said, ´My core technical skills are in quantitative research and statistical analysis and usually much of my day-to-day work is focused on this. I really enjoyed being able to use different skill sets, like moderating focus groups and conducting depth interviews, and apply it in different contexts too and also practicing some of my other languages too!´

Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: There’s no denying the ´feel-good factor´ of doing good. Volunteering for meaningful causes boosts employee morale and job satisfaction. When our team members see the direct impact of their work on the community, they gain a sense of purpose that translates into increased productivity and loyalty. As one of our Research Managers said: ´I find the experience deeply rewarding, as it allows me to leverage my expertise as a Qualitative Researcher to make a tangible impact that traditional volunteering often can’t. Although balancing day-to-day work with the demands of the volunteer project was hectic, I would definitely do it again.´

Stronger Team Dynamics: Volunteering together fosters team spirit. Collaborative projects outside the office enhance communication, trust, and camaraderie among team members, which inevitably leads to more effective teamwork back at 2CV.

Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to corporate social responsibility helps us attract potential employees who value ethical practices—a win-win for our business and the community. In the words of another of our qualitative researchers: ´It was really meaningful to be able to apply my research expertise for a greater cause, and being able to see how the insights can help shape actionable next steps to improve the lives and wellbeing of the community around me.´ 

Broadened Networks and Perspectives: Volunteering exposes our employees to new networks and perspectives. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds provides fresh insights and ideas that can drive innovation and open up new opportunities for 2CV.

Personal and Professional Growth

On a personal level, skills-based volunteering has been an enriching experience. It has introduced me to new people, provided fresh perspectives, and presented challenges that have expanded my understanding of Singapore’s diversity, and different mindsets for problem solving. These experiences have also given me the opportunity to apply and test my skills in unfamiliar settings, enhancing my adaptability and resilience.

Conclusion

Skills-based volunteering is a powerful tool for smaller businesses. It enhances skill development, boosts employee engagement, strengthens team dynamics, improves corporate reputation, and broadens individual perspectives. 

Our journey has been a testament to the impact that even small businesses can make to create positive change in their communities. If you are interested in doing something similar, please do reach out to info@talenttrust.org.sg! 

This article was first published in the Q3 2024 edition of Asia Research Media