It may seem daunting for an organization to tackle global challenges like sustainability and social equity — but Allwyn North America has found a way.
The lottery operator takes social impact seriously, approaching it as a business imperative rather than just a cultural initiative.
“At Allwyn, volunteering is directly tied to our environment, social and governance strategy, reinforcing our commitments to player safety, opportunity creation, community impact and sustainability,” Senior People Partner Melissa Taylor told Built In.
To get employees involved in outreach efforts, the company provides every team member with three paid annual volunteer days in addition to organizing group volunteer events. Taylor shared that last year, employees came together for various volunteer events, such as preparing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House and participating in the Lincoln Park Clean-Up.
While events such as these benefit Allwyn North America’s surrounding communities, they also serve a separate purpose. According to Taylor, they help employees broaden their perspectives, build valuable skills — and understand each other on a deeper level.
“Through these efforts, we not only support those in need but also create a more connected and purpose-driven workplace,” she said.
Below, Taylor shares more about how Allwyn North America gives back to its communities as well as the impact this has on its people, and offers her advice for leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more social outreach initiatives.
Allwyn North America operates lotteries across North America, providing technology, services, content and playbooks to help lotteries grow their player bases and increase revenue.
Describe how Allwyn North America gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves?
Allwyn is dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve. We offer all employees three paid volunteer days each year and organize group volunteer events throughout the year. Last year, our teams supported various initiatives, including preparing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House, participating in the Lincoln Park Clean-Up, hosting a virtual school supply drive, creating handmade cards for Cardz For Kids, and assisting at the Nourishing Hope food pantry.
Volunteering is an essential part of our culture and reflects our core values. We address local and global challenges, from sustainability to social equity, bringing real benefits to communities. Volunteering fosters teamwork, strengthens relationships and builds a sense of pride. Employees gain valuable skills, new perspectives and a deeper connection to societal needs. Our commitment to social responsibility builds trust and strengthens relationships with stakeholders. Collaborating with diverse groups encourages creativity, inclusivity and engagement. Through these efforts, we not only support those in need but also create a more connected and purpose-driven workplace.
How do these community outreach efforts bolster Allwyn North America’s mission and/or culture?
Allwyn’s community outreach efforts align with our mission by fostering social responsibility, teamwork and growth. Providing employees with three paid volunteer days and organizing group initiatives empowers our teams to make a meaningful impact while strengthening our workplace culture. Volunteering reflects our commitment to community engagement, inclusivity and social impact. Giving back together strengthens teamwork, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. Employees gain leadership, problem-solving and collaboration skills while connecting with diverse communities. Our dedication to service strengthens relationships with stakeholders and reinforces our role as a responsible corporate citizen. By integrating volunteerism into our culture, we create a workplace that values purpose, innovation and collective responsibility.
“By integrating volunteerism into our culture, we create a workplace that values purpose, innovation and collective responsibility.”
What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at Allwyn North America?
The most successful initiatives at Allwyn have been those that combine employee engagement with measurable community benefits. Our group volunteer days and paid volunteer time have significantly increased participation. Additionally, focusing on a variety of causes — from environmental clean-ups to food security — has allowed employees to contribute in ways that resonate with them personally. I would recommend ensuring volunteer initiatives reflect your company’s core values and long-term goals.
At Allwyn, volunteering is directly tied to our environment, social and governance strategy, reinforcing our commitments to player safety, opportunity creation, community impact and sustainability. Offer flexible options, such as paid volunteer days, virtual opportunities and diverse activities that accommodate different interests and schedules. This ensures all employees, regardless of location or role, can participate. Also, executive involvement sets the tone for a culture of volunteerism. When leaders participate, it demonstrates commitment and inspires broader engagement across the company. Embed volunteerism into company culture and make it a core part of the employee experience.
