Our Time
"It's great to work at a company that cares about the things that are important to me and helps me serve my community.”Laura Jamieson, TechED Education Delivery Manager
Business Objects
Our employees contribute to the communities in which we live with their giving and their volunteerism. Employees are encouraged to volunteer:
Over 35 to 41% of all employees in the various regions participated in volunteerism last year and that number is growing. From traditional volunteerism through to skills volunteering and probono work , Business Objects employees are making an impact. Examples:
- Fundraising Funnel and Donor Management system created using BOBJ technology for Arts Umbrella
- Volunteer Team Leaders demonstrating their communication, organization and leadership skills
- Product Group employees donating their time to set up BOBJ tool kits at an organization that was declined a Foundation grant but received a gift of technology and talent
- Employee mentors in Junior Achievement program
- Product Group employees teaching a Science and Innovation program in Vancouver schools
- IT professionals from EMEA assisting charities in Cambodia to set up and be trained on their computer system
- HR professionals in France mentoring youth in civil service duty to prepare resumes and develop interview skills
- Emerging Leaders in Vancouver, Canada organizing university students doing project work in inner city schools on their reading break
The first Green Team was established in the Vancouver office prior to 2007 as a grassroots team of volunteers supported by the Community team and Facilities. In 2007, the momentum of employee involvement continued to grow. The power of employee advocacy in the greening of Business Objects is harnessed through Green Teams. In 2007, more Green Teams began to take root in the organization with the opportunity to spread our environmental stewardship message and implement more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle (Toronto, Paris, Maidenhead, San Jose and La Crosse and Portland).
Our employees are a talented group. And we're delighted to help them put these talents to work in the community. A volunteer policy gives employees time to work on projects, while a funding program provides financial support where needed. Employees worldwide benefit from these opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. We'd like to introduce you to a few of them.
Patricia Greig
"I'm proud to work for a company that supports me in the community because it helps me to balance my life, work, and community service."
Child and youth issues are important to Pat. She serves on the board of the South Fraser Child Development Center, a Vancouver organization that serves children with special needs. She's also "making dreams come true" with the Cinderella Project, a charity that works to remove social barriers for young women. The project provides underprivileged high school graduates from the Vancouver area with formal attire so they can attend graduation festivities with pride. Recently, Pat secured funds from Business Objects to purchase storage bags for the clothing. She also led a Business Objects technology donation to Volunteer Vancouver, an organization that promotes volunteerism. They're using it to analyze and improve services.
Steven Davis
"I enjoy being part of a team that constantly gives back to our community. It's a rewarding experience and one I am very proud to be a part of."
Increasing blood donations is a passion for Steven. With Business Objects technology, he created an online application for donor registration in the Florida office. It's helped increase the volume of blood drives and donors. "All the participants have to do is log in, specify the company they are with, their donation time, and they're signed up," says Steve. "I run a report and give the exact numbers to the Blood Bank. It's a great example of how Crystal Reports can help organizations streamline their practices." Steven was honored with the Dorothy C. Smith R.N. award for significant contribution to the Florida Association of Blood Banks.
Laura Jamieson
"This experience has broadened my perspective and provided me with a variety of avenues for contributing to the community."
For Laura, making a difference is all about teamwork. She plays a key role in organizing the Business Objects annual Run for the Cure team in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The Business Objects Foundation Vancouver employee grant team also benefits from Laura's time. This team reviews community organizations nominated for funding by Business Objects employees. According to Laura, "Working on the team has given me the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing my community."
Pat Wynne
"I am more effective in my community because Business Objects enables me to enhance my volunteer work through grants from our foundation."
In the United States, children make up a quarter of the homeless population. Pat is on a misson to change that. She's on the board of Compass Community Services, a San Francisco organization that helps homeless and low-income families. Compass provides many services including helping families find housing, improving the health of parents and children, and adressing barriers to economic self-sufficiency. Pat also contributed many hours to the Business Objects Foundation Bay Area employee grant team. She believes strongly in donating time, talent, and financial support to community groups.
David Cartwright
"It's great to see the results we can create through the combination of individual initiative and corporate support."
Creating opportunities for children has opened up a new world for David. Based in Florida, he became actively involved on the board of the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools when he learned about it through the Business Objects Foundation. David was so impressed, he joined their volunteer ranks as an active board member. Recently, David also worked with a team of other employees to refurbish used computer hardware as a gift to the local Boys' & Girls' Club. Our computer donations help children with homework and the development of academic skills.
