MillerKnoll celebrates first global 'Day of Purpose' on Election Day
ZEELAND — While many voters visited the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2, employees from MillerKnoll celebrated a Global Day of Purpose, which involved not only voting, but offering time and services to local nonprofits.
It was the second time employees at MillerKnoll in Zeeland, previously Herman Miller, were given a paid holiday on Election Day to "make an impact in their community."
More: Herman Miller completes merger with Knoll; becomes MillerKnoll
But it was the first time the initiative included all 11,000 employees under the MillerKnoll umbrella, following the company's merger with Knoll in July.
"It really came from our commitment to being more equitable and giving our employees in the U.S. time to vote, as well as time for everyone to volunteer and give back," said Kim Koeman, senior project manager at Herman Miller Cares.
"It's a time to give back in a way that's meaningful. We offered general, broad-stroke suggestions, and our ambassadors organized some really great opportunities to take part in."
In the Holland area, volunteers visited Outdoor Discovery Center, Community Action House and Kids' Food Basket.
"We also had some great organizations around park and beach cleanups," Koeman said. "There are a lot of people who helped out at food pantries and packed meals. Others helped out in their local school districts. Some of us dropped off supplies to residents in Benton Harbor. And there were a lot of people who did more personal things."
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Other volunteer options included donating blood, food, essential supplies, clothing and books; planting greenery; making desks for students; helping at animal shelters and visiting nursing homes.
"MillerKnoll is now the largest company in our industry," Koeman said. "And a day like this just shows, to me anyway, that we are more than a furniture company. It allows us to show how we live, and our purpose and values.
"And while this day is very much about giving back, it's also a day that's meaningful to employees to be able to take a break from the day-to-day work. We're not always able to take time to volunteer in meaningful ways, and I'm very grateful to be part of an organization that allows us to take part in something."
— Contact reporter Cassandra Lybrink at cassandra.lybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Instagram @BizHolland.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: MillerKnoll celebrates first global 'Day of Purpose' on Election Day
