CEOs and organizational leaders continually face challenges such as employee disengagement, high turnover, and workplace bottlenecks that hinder overall performance and marketplace potential. Many companies have introduced initiatives like financial wellness programs, caregiver support, and other health perks to address these issues. Yet, one of the most impactful tools remains primarily overlooked: corporate volunteering.
The Rise of Corporate Volunteering
Corporate volunteering involves organization-led programs that encourage employees to dedicate their time, energy, and skills to community or cause-based initiatives. In recent years, this practice has gained significant momentum. A 2024 report by Benevity highlights a 57% year-over-year increase in corporate volunteering participation. The same report notes a 41% rise in total volunteer hours and a 65% influx of first-time volunteers, attributed to companies increasing their investment in volunteer programs.
The potential for engagement is clear. A 2017 Deloitte Volunteerism Survey found that 69% of individuals want to volunteer more, but 62% cite a lack of time as the primary obstacle. Beyond addressing this desire, corporate volunteering is emerging as a powerful well-being tool. A recent Oxford University study suggests it could be among the most impactful tools in an organization’s arsenal. Here are four key ways corporate volunteering benefits both employers and employees:
1. Corporate Volunteering Creates Happier, More Empathetic Employees
Employee mood shapes workplace culture and customer impressions. According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, volunteers report higher satisfaction levels than non-volunteers. This elevated happiness translates into greater empathy, as regular volunteers connect more deeply on an emotional level. For customer-facing employees, this combination of positivity and empathy is vital in creating lasting impressions, ultimately making or breaking an organization’s potential.
2. Corporate Volunteering Combats Loneliness And Its Workplace Impacts
Loneliness isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a workplace issue that costs employers over $154 billion annually due to lost productivity from absenteeism. With 62% of employed adults identifying as lonely, corporate volunteering offers a meaningful (and necessary) antidote. Volunteering forges more connection, purpose, and identity—critical factors in reducing feelings of isolation and improving focus and performance.
3. Corporate Volunteering Improves Workplace Culture
A company’s culture rises or falls to the level of its environment. Volunteering, while often conducted outside the office, positively influences workplace dynamics. The 2017 Deloitte Volunteerism Survey revealed that:
- 70% of respondents believe volunteer activities improve workplace morale more effectively than happy hours.
- 89% feel companies with volunteer programs provide a better working environment.
- 70% agree these volunteer-based companies have a more pleasant work atmosphere overall.
When employees connect over shared goals and meaningful experiences, these benefits ripple throughout the organization.
4. Corporate Volunteering Elevates Brand Perception
Corporate volunteering elevates a company’s brand from both consumer and employee perspectives. A strong reputation aids talent recruitment and retention while attracting loyal customers. In fact, 73% of customers indicated that they prefer supporting companies that contribute to their communities and ultimately improve the world. In a separate Deloitte study:
- 88% of HR executives reported that volunteering improves organizational reputation.
- 62% said it leads to greater employee positivity toward their company.
The Key To Effective Corporate Volunteering
While the rise of corporate volunteering is encouraging, companies must avoid treating it solely as a box-checking exercise. Successful corporate volunteering programs require intentionality and personalization. Employees should have the opportunity to tailor their volunteer experiences to align with their passions rather than solely focusing on organizational goals. When approached with genuine intent, corporate volunteering becomes an untapped competitive advantage that benefits employers, employees, and the communities they serve.