Motor factory business GSF Car Parts has introduced a dedicated volunteering leave policy for its more than 2,500 employees in 180 branches across the UK.
GSF Car Parts employees, which include sales, warehouse and delivery, and specialist support teams, have been given the right to take paid time off to volunteer at a charity of their choice. A spokesperson told Benefits Expert that, as yet, the business has not set a limit on the number of volunteering days allowed per employee.
The spokesperson said: “We’re keen to gauge interest and support any application we can, balancing the impact of any paid time off with the business’ needs by arranging cover as needed. We’ve had a few initial applications for volunteering at local foodbanks and sporting charities, so the scheme is off to a positive start.”
In addition, GSF Car Parts has pledged to match funds raised by employees through sponsored activities, up to £300 per fundraising effort.
Jo Warren, HR director at GSF Car Parts, said: “We’re committed to continuously improving the benefits we offer our team members at GSF, so we’re thrilled to start 2023 with several new benefits that support both our people and the communities in which we operate.
“Many of our GSF team members are passionate about supporting local causes through fundraising or giving their time to volunteer, so we’re delighted to be able to help their efforts go even further.”
GSF supports The Pledge, an enterprise which helps regional school and colleges access its employees’ expertise with skills such as CV writing and interview skills.
A spokesperson stated that the business’ history included the acquisition of numerous local trading brands, many of which had strong ties to local communities. As a result, its approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is tied into the idea of using national strength to continue supporting local endeavours that its employees care about.
They added: “We recognise that encouraging and facilitating the passion of our people is a key step to making GSF a rewarding and engaging place to work, so we’re committed to finding new ways to develop our CSR approach.”
Other benefits used by the business to motivate, engage and reward staff include access to cashback and discounts through the Perks at Work tool, an ‘Unsung Heroes’ recognition scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, long service awards, life assurance, healthcare cash plans, flu vaccine vouchers and access to specialist pension support and advice.
This year, GSF Car Parts also introduced Salary Finance’s flexible pay tool.
Warren said: “An important part of everyone’s wellbeing is financial and at GSF we want to ensure our team members have access to tools that can really make a difference, so as part of our new partnership with Salary Finance our people can access affordable loans, advances, money insights and savings accounts – including the Government’s Help to Save scheme – through payroll.”
