Redesigning The Volunteerism Always Pays Program

Submitted 2 years ago

My name is Lyndsay, I am 36 and getting my masters in business management. I am from the Fall River, MA area. The project I have been working on is to redesign the Volunteerism Always Pays program. This program lacks in attractiveness because the organization doesn't strongly promote it.

Walmart has the most recognized brand in the world and the worst reputation in terms of treating their customer and employees properly. My idea is to redesign this program to help employees and customer become happier, while developing the companies brand into a more positive one. My doctor said, "I hate what the company stands for, but I like getting my Cheerios for $3."

The VAP program gives Walmart associates the opportunity to volunteer for approved organizations, that make a difference in the lives of others. With more than 2.3 million employees and 11,700 stores across the globe, imagine the massive impact this program could have on individual communities and around the world. Walmart pays out grants based on the number of employees and amount of time they spend volunteering. We live in an ever changing world, new ideas and concepts are vital to the growth and development of companies and people, for the betterment of the world.

I chose this because while working at Walmart, I discovered so many associates feel worthless and don't do anything positive in their lives. Walmart has a history of poor customer and employee treatment, and most people don't know this program exists. I didn't know until I started searching for ways to earn funding for the nonprofit I volunteer with. Walmart is worth billions of dollars and should be doing far more to support the communities they are in and around. This is an amazing program that has no follow through. Walmart could change their brand image, their employees lives, and the customers lives as well as make a difference in the community. Happy employees make happy customers.