Employees make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Supporting food banks. Helping to build affordable housing. Clothing the homeless. Providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children. Helping women in marginalized societies develop employment skills. U Krewers around the world are doing it all.
Volunteerism is embedded in UKG’s culture. U Krewers are selflessly devoting their time to helping people in their local communities, during both community- and UKG-organized activities as well as through individual volunteer efforts.
“Volunteering is how we extend our impact in the world,” says Heather, Senior Director, Social, Equity, Opportunity, and Impact, UKG. “Serving our global communities is a priority for us, whether it’s providing financial support or giving our time.”
To support these volunteer efforts, UKG announced its Global Volunteer Time-Off Policy in 2023, giving employees worldwide at least two paid days off each calendar year to volunteer at nonprofit organizations and for causes they feel passionate about.
―Deloitte
“Participating in Habitat for Humanity was such a fulfilling experience. We felt that we really helped a local family in need. At the end of our shift, the homeowner was in tears and so thankful for all of the help we provided. I thank UKG for allowing myself and fellow U Krewers to help our community.”
Senior Talent Acquisition Partner
During the first quarter the new Global Volunteer Time-Off Policy was in place, UKG saw a 260% increase in employee volunteer hours compared to the same quarter in the prior year.
Each year, U Krewers around the world celebrate UKG’s birthday during the week of October 1. In its second year, UKG expanded its celebration of U Krew Kickoff with 10 days of volunteering and ERG activations around the world. One of the special things about U Krew Kickoff is leveraging the Global Volunteer Time-Off Policy and encouraging all U Krewers to utilize their paid time off to make an impact in their community.
The benefits are multifaceted. Employees feel supported in their passions, which can increase their trust and loyalty to the company as well as encourage them to look for new ways to serve their communities. Teams and departments can leverage volunteering as valuable teambuilding opportunities. UKG’s marketing department engages new hires in volunteer activities as part of the department’s onboarding process.
“I am always inspired any time we get a team of U Krewers together to volunteer. I meet new colleagues, we work hard, we have a bit of fun, and most of all we make sure those in the community know we are a lot more than the company down the street. We are part of a culture of caring they can count on. It’s an amazing experience!”
Vice President, Creative and Brand
Every April, UKG activates it employees by celebrating Global Pay It Forward Day, a worldwide event promoting kindness in the community. To mark this day of service, many UKG locations organize volunteer events for U Krewers. Those unable to participate in an organized activity are encouraged to do something kind for someone that day. For a third consecutive year, UKG organized more than 20 group volunteer opportunities for U Krewers to pay it forward in their communities.
U Krewers are urged to share their Global Pay It Forward Day volunteer efforts on social media. “Our goal is to inspire others through these activities,” says Heather.
"This was my first opportunity to serve as a volunteer for our U Krewer Service Day [now known as Global Pay It Forward Day]. This experience truly provided a sense of unity with my fellow U Krewers to give back to the community that I love so much. UKG has empowered us with an opportunity to be of service to the great city of Atlanta, GA, and we are proud to be of service on behalf of our amazing company!"
Senior Technical Program Manager, Communications & Enablement Strategist
"I always enjoy our volunteer activities. They provide the opportunity to do something good for our communities and help those in need while spending quality time outside of work with other U Krewers. It's a win-win every time."
Sr. Marketing Writer
UKG India Volunteers Are Working to Change Lives
Creating opportunities that positively impact lives and developing meaningful connections with people are the focus of many UKG volunteer efforts in India. UKG’s new Global Volunteer Time-Off Policy is supporting this valuable work. “Our India office is very engaged with volunteer activities both in the office and with local charities,” says Heather. “It’s really inspiring.”
“Volunteering for our U Krewers embodies passion ― surpassing time, finances, and personal interests,” says Nitin, Director, Human Resources, HRBP, India, UKG.
Read the story: A month of giving. A lifetime of impact.
―Deloitte
Empowering young people through educational opportunities
The impressive work of the UKG-ANK Learning Centre in Noida, India, continues, with more than 500 U Krewers engaging with students since the centre opened in 2015. The initial goal of helping 100 students has been magnified, with the centre impacting more than 6,000 lives since opening.
In 2022, small art activities in the centre’s classrooms expanded into a striking Art Wall at the UKG corporate office at Noida. Some of the masterpiece works of art done by the U Krewers and children represent the journey from “local to global.” Representatives from UKG in the U.S. accepted these artworks as gifts, symbolizing the universal appreciation of creativity and talent.
UKG also has a vocational training program called Getting Girls to Code (GGC) at the centre in Noida. Numerous young women have received training in digital marketing and communication skills to give them a competitive advantage in the job market. U Krewers have volunteered to conduct debates, storytelling sessions, mock interviews, and have shared important life skills and professional experiences. When participants faced challenges in reaching the centre, UKG mobilized its volunteer network across the country to provide cycles.
“The dedication of U Krewers is evident as they mentor GGC beneficiaries, empowering them to pursue fulfilling careers and persevere in their dreams,” says Nitin.
About 90% of this first group of GGC beneficiaries were placed in work positions after completing their training program.
The beneficiaries’ parents shared their gratitude for the UKG-ANK collaboration that provided quality education and guidance to their daughters. They especially singled out the Each One, Teach One mentoring program initiated by U Krewers to give one-on-one support to the young women.
Transforming women’s lives, one stitch at a time
Financial independence can be a game changer for women in India who belong to a marginalized section of society.
To empower these women, UKG initiated Project Udaan, a program focused on skill development training, as well as ongoing engagement to help these women move closer to financial independence.
In collaboration with Lok Bharti, a leading vocational institution for skilling and reskilling people in India, UKG created The Udaan Centre to empower women in the underserved urban area of Noida. The Udaan Centre is a haven for women, offering a unique space where they can thrive — unlike most skilling centres in the country, which often overlook the needs of women.
“U Krewers became a catalyst to drive the Udaan women to achieve financial independence, by sharing their knowledge and life experiences, which helps the women connect with the volunteers at a humane level.”
Principal, HRBP, UKG India
The action-oriented participation of U Krewers is giving these women a sense of self-worth and self-determination in their choices, access to opportunities and resources, confidence in their doing more than being at home, and the power to control their lives inside and outside the home.
To provide skills to financially liberate these women, the centre offers a professionally instructed sewing and tailoring course that leads to a national certification and the advanced cloth-making skills that are in high demand at export firms.
Many of these women have become self-employed, with the centre offering the use of sewing machines and U Krewers providing their time and expertise in product quality, market linkage, and costing to assist these budding entrepreneurs.
“U Krewers are attracted to The Udaan Centre not only because they get to see the project execution tangibly, but they also get to experience the social, psychological, and community impact at a larger scale,” says Bimal.
An example of the power of the initiative, as well as its representation of equality and partnership, is the One Table Many Friends activity. Local U Krewers, the UKG international team, and the women participating in the program gathered to share a meal together, a symbol of banishing inequality and social constraints.
Each year, The Udaan Centre plans to offer training to more than 200 women who are seeking employment skills that will transform their lives.
Being kind to the world
The benefits of volunteering are evident, for both U Krewers and the organizations and causes they hold dear.
"Volunteering is the heartbeat of our humanity, resonating through our communities and echoing the spirit of compassion,” says Heather. “At UKG, we believe in empowering our employees to be the change they wish to see in the world. Through our Global Volunteer Time-Off Policy, we not only offer paid time off but also cultivate a culture of empathy and service. Every act of kindness, every hour spent uplifting others, is a testament to the power of collective action.”
U Krewers around the world are setting an impressive example of volunteerism for others to follow.