Chattanooga Cigna employee Tracey Merciers says she has volunteered for the March of Dimes, but found it hard to spur co-workers to help.
"They didn't have the time," she said.
Now, a new employee benefit by Cigna giving workers eight hours of paid time off a year to volunteer at their favorite nonprofits should help, Miss Merciers said.
Cigna, with nearly 2,000 workers in Chattanooga, will start offering the paid day of service beginning July 1, said John Sorrow, Cigna's mid-South division president.
"We see it as an investment in the community and in the customers we serve," Mr. Sorrow said.
The initiative, offered companywide by the Philadelphia-based health insurer, could result in $4 million worth of donated time annually, according to Cigna. It has the potential of creating over 200,000 hours of service, the insurer said.
Mr. Sorrow said studies show that people who volunteer report better overall health. Volunteerism that provides training and new skills can lead to improved job performance and satisfaction, according to Cigna.
"It's about improving health and well-being," Mr. Sorrow said. "It fits right in with our mission."
Cigna worker Ann Rowden said the eight hours of paid time off can make a huge impact.
"I think a lot of people will step forward," she said. "We do a lot of United Way activities. A lot of people would like to help out but can't."
Mr. Sorrow said the company is developing a list of qualified nonprofits and community service organizations.
"We've got a fairly extensive list already," he said. "If there is an organization not on it, we'll review it. If it meets our ethical and mission objectives, it could be included as well."
Plans are to offer the eight-hour benefit for 2010 starting July 1, and then provide another day of service starting Jan. 1, Mr. Sorrow said.
He admitted every employee won't take part, but he expects it to pay off for the company and the city over time.
"We've always been well connected to the community we serve," he said. "This is an awesome vehicle to take our community connection to the next level."
Miss Merciers, who works in revenue management for Cigna locally, said she's a single parent and doesn't have a lot of free time.
"It's hard to fulfill work and do volunteer work," she said. "Allowing them eight hours frees up time for employees to do things for the community."
The Cigna employee said the effort should send a positive signal to other companies to offer a similar benefit, and it opens the door to nonprofits seeking help.
"I'd be knocking at the Cigna door to solicit employees," she said.