Employees volunteer to make a change

The Pulse initiative was started for employees who get involved with NGOs and strive to make a change

GSK Consumer Healthcare’s volunteering programme ‘Pulse’ was conceived in 2009 to encourage its employees to work closely with the local community to support and sustain development activities.

Motivated volunteers partner with a relevant non-profit organisation for a three to six month period on a full time basis where they share their skills to solve various challenges faced by the organisations at home and abroad. On completion of their assignment, they return to their regular jobs. Arun Sehgal, executive vice president – HR, GSK Consumer Healthcare, said, “We believe that everyone committed and everyone contributing would help the community. Pulse is a testimony to our commitment towards the society. When Pulse volunteers resume work they play the role of internal champions in making a difference to the community.”

Since its launch, this initiative has empowered about 500 Pulse volunteers from 50 countries, who share their skills with people outside their place of work. The volunteers have worked or are working with about 90 Pulse partners, which are non-profit organisations with a clear objective of creating a positive and sustainable change within the communities.