Qatar Foundation (QF) is taking a significant step toward fostering a culture of responsible citizenship by institutionalising volunteering within its community – through a new policy that allows its employees to take paid time off to support others.
QF employees are being encouraged to take advantage of the three days of volunteering leave available to them each year. This time can be used to address the causes that matter most to them and QF, while leveraging their skills to make a positive impact.
The policy reflects QF’s commitment to supporting employees who wish to volunteer during working hours, and recognises the profound impact volunteers can have on both local and international communities and how it helps instill a sense of community and purpose.
Hamad F Dalmouk, executive director of Human Capital QF said: “Our newly introduced volunteering policy for eligible staff is a testament to QF’s commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility.
“By integrating volunteerism into QF’s institutional framework, we not only reinforce our core values of excellence, integrity, community, innovation, and being rooted, but also foster a future where giving back is an intrinsic part of everyone’s ethos.”
As Dalmouk says, altruism – concern for the well-being of others and actively helping others – is something that is deeply rooted in national, Arab, and Islamic heritage.
For several years, QF has endeavoured to foster a culture of volunteerism within its community – and beyond – by offering unique engagement opportunities at its various entities. These include, but are not limited to, volunteering opportunities at Al Shaqab, QF’s Ability Friendly Programme, Minaretein, and Al Mujadilah Centre and Mosque for Women, as well as with the Gaza Community Support Programme in Qatar.
“We are proud to be the first organisation in Qatar to formalise volunteering, and we hope that we will serve as an inspiration to other forward-thinking companies to launch similar policies that ensure service and altruism remain fundamental to our national identity and collective growth,” said Dalmouk.
QF employees are granted three days of paid volunteering leave annually.
