What could employees do with the time saved on claiming personal expenses?

Claiming personal expenses costs businesses lots of time and effort for firms of all sizes. Luckily, expense management software from Expend is a great way to save cost and staff time claiming and processing personal expenses. 

We calculate that employees whose job requires them to claim expenses spend about 45 minutes per month claiming what is due to them. This adds up to about nine hours per year – more than a standard working day. 

Which led us to think - what could employees who move to Expend do with the time saved on claiming personal expenses?

Perhaps the headline answer is that they would be able to focus on being more productive in their roles, and work on activities which add value to their jobs. 

However, enlightened employers are also recognising that freeing up their staff provides the opportunity to serve their local communities through volunteering. So, how could employees use a day of volunteering in their community, each year? 

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community while also gaining valuable experience and skills. In the UK, many companies offer their employees one day of volunteering per year, giving them the opportunity to make a positive impact on their local community. 

What are ways that employees could use a day of volunteering to make a difference?

1. Support a local charity 🎗

One of the most common ways to use a day of volunteering is by supporting a local charity. There are many charities across the UK that rely on volunteers to support their operations. Employees could spend their day helping out at a charity shop, fundraising for a cause, or assisting with administrative tasks. This is an excellent way to give back to the community, meet new people, and develop new skills.

2. Participate in a community event 👬👭

Another way to use a day of volunteering is by participating in a community event. Many towns and cities in the UK host events throughout the year, such as street fairs, festivals, and sporting events. 

These events require volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as setting up and taking down equipment, managing crowds, and serving food and drinks. Volunteering at a community event is a fun and exciting way to get involved in the local community and meet new people.

3. Clean up a local park or beach 🗑

Environmental conservation is a critical issue, and employees could use their day of volunteering to help protect the environment. One way to do this is by participating in a park or beach clean-up. Many local councils organise regular clean-ups, and volunteers are always welcome to join in. This is an excellent way to help keep the community clean and protect local wildlife.

4. Teach a skill to others 🧑🏻‍🏫

Another way to use a day of volunteering is by teaching a skill to others. Many community centres and schools offer classes and workshops on a variety of topics, such as cooking, crafting, and gardening. Employees could use their skills and expertise to teach a class or workshop to others. This is an excellent way to share knowledge and experience while also building connections with others in the community.

5. Visit a care home 🏡

Loneliness is a significant issue for many people in the UK, particularly for those who live in care homes. Employees could use their day of volunteering to visit a local care home and spend time with the residents. This could involve playing games, reading books, or simply having a chat. This is an excellent way to brighten someone's day and make a positive impact on their lives.

In conclusion, employees in the UK have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their local community by using their day of volunteering. 

Whether it's supporting a local charity, participating in a community event, cleaning up a local park or beach, teaching a skill to others, or visiting a care home, there are many ways to get involved. 

By giving their time and energy, employees can make a significant difference and build connections with others in the community.

For more volunteering ideas and details of organisations that can help your employees find a way to volunteer that suits them, the government website. 

What could your employees do with the time saved on claiming personal expenses?