Hydro Tasmania is actively encouraging its people to build leadership and professional skills through volunteering.

The business yesterday won the Tasplan Super Corporate Award for an employee volunteering program, at the second annual Tasmanian Volunteering Awards at Government House.

Hydro Tasmania also won this category at the inaugural awards last year. It recognises the excellence of the company’s employee volunteering program led by Kate Hickey.

The business also sponsors the Excellence Award for Best Practice in Volunteer Management – won by Shelley Haas of the Royal Hobart Hospital.

The CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Steve Davy, said it’s also running an initiative to support employee development through volunteering.

“We’re proud of the care and commitment our people continue to show for our community,” Mr Davy said.

“About a quarter of our employees volunteer in the community. That generosity has supported countless people in need, delivered crucial services, and helped with events that support pride and community spirit.

“But we also know that volunteering is actually good for your career. It helps build the leadership, social and organisational skills that boost a person’s professional performance, and help them fulfil their ambitions.

“That’s why Hydro Tasmania is running the ‘Want to give your career an edge?’ initiative to help showcase to our employees the many career benefits of volunteering, and help them make the leap into volunteering activities,” he said.

In the 2016 Deloitte Impact Survey – Building leadership skills through volunteerism – 92 per cent of respondents felt volunteering improved their broader professional skills. 80 per cent believed experienced volunteers move into leadership roles more easily, and 82 per cent were more likely to choose a candidate for a senior role who has volunteering experience.

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Released for Hydro Tasmania by Rowan Dix, (03) 62305330 / 0409 722359 / media@hydro.com.au.