Finding purpose and value in work
Nadia Al Yafai is a social impact consultant in financial services, formerly at the Royal London Group. Al Yafai says giving is “a great way for people to give back to society, to feel they are purposeful and valuable beyond their day job, and to build great skills and networks in new fields".
"It often stretches them in new ways and they can experience new opportunities they might not get in the day job. It often builds deep confidence for the participant too, things like coaching, problem solving and engaging with different types of people, and understanding different environments.”
According to Al Yafai, the advantage for the individual who is giving is that “you can see yourself in a new light. It also gets you out of your comfort zone physically and metaphorically".
"Pro bono can build people’s skills too, so they can grow their careers and build their professional development.
"One thing that it could aid with is a sense of belonging and place in society, but also a recognition of how lucky you are, perhaps, compared to many others."
She says: "Pro bono volunteering also has advantages for loved ones, setting an example and inspiring others to think more diversely about careers and work."
McLoughney agrees with this sentiment. He also talks of the impact this can have on the next generation: “I have two young boys and I make it clear that I am doing this work for free as not everyone can afford the advice we provide.
"I think it sets a great example and allows for an appreciation of finances, and charitable work to my boys. This is important to me.”
For Knowles, too, the example that giving can set for others is an important part of wellbeing.
She says her giving activities provide inspiration to the younger and older generations of her family: “My children know that I work for charities and that I help those people who have not found things easy.
"The main people that know and understand what we do are my parents, and I know that I have made them proud."
Challenges
There are challenges, of course, to implementing pro bono work within an advice firm, whether large or small.
There are the obvious ones of time management and fitting it in around the 'day job', which requires being able to curate a "space" within the weekly diary.
Sometimes it is about letting more junior members of the team take the lead, and give them the chance to shine and show their own emerging talents in leadership and project management.
