Zsófia Vérten | Customer Service, Budapest, Hungary

Zsófia Vérten and her colleagues in Budapest have seen that little things can lead to big results. What started as a few casual conversations at lunchtime has become an organized, management-supported approach to community service.

“I really believe that small actions add up,” says Zsófia, “and that good examples encourage people to do more.” She puts those beliefs into practice, with regular charity work that includes volunteering at a local hospital to play with children undergoing treatment.

She found that many of her coworkers shared her point of view and liked the idea of working together to improve their community, but weren't sure how to start. “In Hungary, companies aren't really used to these ideas,” she explains. But NXP was different. “We made some suggestions to management and got a positive reaction. Our ideas found a home.”

Zsófia formed an employee board that meets monthly to “brainstorm, discuss ideas, share, motivate, initiate. It's a great employee forum and opens a new communication channel with our management.”

Based on employee suggestions, they began by making their office a greener place to work. They started sorting their trash and replaced plastic drinking cups with glass ones that can be reused. “Once our ideas got flowing, and more people heard what we were doing, more people wanted to participate,” she says.

Some planted trees along the street near the office, others participated in a UNICEF-sponsored program to donate coins that would soon be discontinued. With management's support, the office now submits the company's old mobile phones for recycling, and employees are encouraged to join a government-initiated “Bike to Work” competition.

At Christmas, when Zsófia and her colleagues proposed arranging an evening at an orphanage, the response was overwhelming. Nearly everyone donated something - clothing, toys, candy - and a few employees with musical talent offered to play guitar and sing with the children. “We just asked around, and people volunteered,” says Zsófia. “It was unforgettable.”

The biggest undertaking to date was the renovation of a local kindergarten. Roughly 100 people helped paint playground equipment, repair fences, and improve the garden. “The kid's eyes weren't the only ones sparkling - the volunteers really enjoyed themselves and felt a part of something.”

For Zsófia, volunteering with coworkers generates a sense of accomplishment and builds teamwork. “It's nice to socialize with colleagues after work, but this has added meaning. Helping the community helps strengthen our own team.”