Published 01-31-05
Submitted by Xerox Corporation
While they aim to make a difference by helping to support grieving children, teach adults how to use computers, raise much-needed operational funds and lead other activities benefiting their neighbors and communities, they will continue to receive their full salary and benefits from Xerox.
The leaves of absence are part of The Xerox Foundation's long-standing Social Service Leave initiative, which has granted sabbaticals of up to one year to 461 employees since the program began in 1971. One of few corporate sabbatical programs that provide paid opportunities for employees to volunteer full-time in their communities, Xerox's Social Service Leave program is believed to be the oldest of its kind in American business.
Under Social Service Leave, the eight Xerox people will work full-time for eight nonprofit agencies in six communities to accomplish projects of the employees' design and choosing. Altogether, the group is donating 66 months of service through the program, though all eight already have a history of volunteer commitment to their selected agencies.
"Whether it is earning a Social Service Leave or volunteering in other company-supported community projects, Xerox people have proven time and again their personal commitment to making a difference in the places they work and live," said Anne M. Mulcahy, Xerox chairman and chief executive officer. "We value and respect their contributions and are honored that our leavetakers continue the proud Xerox tradition of giving back to and investing in local communities."
Xerox estimates that through the collective efforts of Social Service Leave participants, it has donated about a half-million volunteer hours over the past 33 years.
The 2005 Xerox Social Service Leave participants are:
Then-CEO C. Peter McColough said in a letter to employees announcing the program in 1971: "Each year we contribute several million dollars to worthwhile institutions and projects. Yet we don't think that's enough ... so we decided to offer what we can least afford to give - the full-time service of Xerox people."
Social Service Leave is just one of ways that Xerox people support their communities; for example, about 15,000 Xerox employees volunteer on projects each year through their local Xerox Community Involvement Program. Corporate philanthropy is a fundamental component of Xerox's corporate responsibility and citizenship efforts, which include environment and health programs, minority- and women-owned supplier programs, diversity and employee support, and business ethics and corporate governance initiatives.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on each project, photos of each participant and more information about Xerox, visit www.xerox.com/csr or www.xerox.com/news.
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Xerox Corporation is a nearly $16 billion global enterprise that helps businesses find better ways to work through innovative technology integrated with document-management services. Over the past 40 years, Xerox has demonstrated leadership in sustainability and citizenship by designing "waste-free" products built in "waste-free" plants, investing in innovation that delivers measurable benefits to the environment, supporting educational and community projects around the world, and many other integrated initiatives. For more information, visit www.xerox.com/citizenship.
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