On Tuesday 4 February 2025, commercial real estate and investment management company, JLL announced the launch of a volunteering programme in partnership with the Serve the City association in Belgium and Luxembourg.
The company described the newly launched initiative, “52 weeks, 52 volunteering opportunities”, as offering its employees the opportunity to engage in weekly volunteering actions in Belgium and Luxembourg.
In a statement, the company clarified that the partnership was designed in direct response to employee requests to follow up on the success of the Community Week, held in June 2024. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by employees during this event is said to have inspired the creation of this ongoing volunteering project that differentiates itself from a one-off action.
In addition to the active participation of employees, JLL also confirmed that it will financially supporting the initiative, reflecting the company’s commitment to making a difference in communities. The programme is expected to offer a variety of activities ranging from food preparation and distribution to activities with children and sports with refugees. JLL employees will participate in pairs from different teams, strengthening inter-team bonds.
Emna Rekik, Country Lead of JLL Luxembourg, said: "This initiative, born from the enthusiasm of our employees, reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility. By responding to their demand and providing easy-to-access volunteer opportunities, we are not only strengthening our impact on the community, but also developing the interpersonal skills of our team. JLL does not settle for a one-off action, but is committed to an ongoing programme, illustrating our desire to act in the long term and on a large scale."
Nicolas Duprey, Director of Serve the City Luxembourg, added: "We are delighted to partner with JLL Luxembourg. Their commitment to providing volunteers, inspired by their own employees, will have a significant impact on our programmes and the people we serve."
The programme is expected to start in February 2025, with training sessions reported to have begun in January 2025. JLL Luxembourg added that it aims to create a lasting impact in the community while providing its employees with enriching personal and professional development experiences, thus meeting their desire for social engagement. The company expressed its hope that this initiative will encourage other stakeholders to embrace similar programmes, thus strengthening their commitment to social responsibility.