Bunzl Canada Inc. is supporting employee engagement while giving back to local communities through its paid volunteer days program.
“The program was born out of a movement to create a social sustainability initiative aimed at fostering community engagement, environmental stewardship and an inclusive workplace culture,” says John Howlett, president of Bunzl Canada. “It reflects our belief that employees are not just contributors to business success, but also powerful agents of change in their communities.”
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The program gives each of Bunzl’s 1,100 employees one fully paid day to volunteer for a cause close to them. After reviewing different options such as half days, flexible scheduling and multi-day models, the company’s leadership decided one paid day, which can also be split into two half days, was the right balance. “We wanted to create space for meaningful impact without disrupting operational continuity,” adds Howlett.
That flexibility has inspired employees across Canada to step forward. Some are supporting food banks, while others are rolling up their sleeves at environmental clean-ups. In British Columbia, one employee chose to spend her volunteer day with the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy fundraiser, honouring personal ties to veterans. Regional differences are emerging, with employees in Western Canada drawn to environmental projects and those in larger cities leaning into social equity initiatives, he notes.
What stands out, Howlett notes, is how inclusive the program has been. “Warehouse workers, drivers, sales representatives and administrative teams all have equal access. By ensuring flexibility and manager support, we have created an initiative that fosters pride and unity across the company.”
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The scale of the program is significant. More than 8,500 hours of paid volunteer time annually translates to the equivalent of four full-time jobs dedicated entirely to community service. “It’s about more than just giving time; it’s about giving purpose,” he says. “When our people are empowered to support causes they care about, it strengthens not only our communities, but our company culture as well.”
Bunzl is tracking participation, feedback and community testimonials to measure impact, while also collecting stories that highlight the personal side of giving back. Howlett says the program is already resonating with employees. “It’s not just a policy; it’s a cultural commitment. We are giving our people the time, support and encouragement to be change-makers. When their efforts are celebrated, that is when the program truly comes alive.”
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For other employers considering a similar program, Howlett says it’s important to start with values and make inclusivity non-negotiable. “Give employees the structure they need but also the freedom to choose causes that matter to them and celebrate the impact, because when employees see their contributions recognized, that’s when the program truly comes alive.”