Why Corporate Volunteerism is on the Rise—and How It Benefits Your Business
What if boosting employee engagement, job satisfaction, and loyalty could be as simple as volunteering? Recent studies highlight a significant rise in corporate volunteerism, with a 58% increase in participation rates among employees and a 44% increase in total volunteer hours globally (Source: CECP). This growing trend reflects a deepening desire among employees to engage in meaningful community service—leading to stronger connections to their work and their employers.
But how can companies harness this enthusiasm for volunteerism to create real business impact?
The Business Case for Corporate Volunteerism
Companies that facilitate structured volunteer opportunities are reaping measurable rewards. For instance, organisations promoting team-based volunteering see participation rates up to 7.5 times higher than those that don’t (Source: Points of Light). This collaboration not only builds a stronger sense of community within teams but also positively impacts employee engagement and satisfaction.
Moreover, corporate volunteerism is becoming a strategic advantage in attracting and retaining talent. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Purpose and Impact Survey, 86% of employees believe that companies with effective volunteer programs are more likely to earn their loyalty, and 82% say it influences their decision to stay with an employer (Source: Deloitte).
This is particularly true for younger generations: 75% of millennials expect companies to do more than simply offer quality products and services—they want organisations to actively support causes they care about (Source: Forbes).
Volunteerism also helps companies achieve broader goals, such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) benchmarks. By integrating volunteer programs into their operations, businesses not only give back to the community but also build a reputation as purpose-driven organisations.
The Challenges: Participation Gaps and Accessibility
Despite its many benefits, corporate volunteerism still faces challenges. For example, in the UK, approximately 73% of companies offer skills-based employee volunteering programs (Source: Matchable). Yet, only 15% of workers take advantage of available volunteer leave policies (Source: Financial Times).
This disconnect suggests that simply offering volunteer leave or programs isn’t enough. Many employees find these initiatives difficult to access, while others lack the guidance or motivation to participate. To drive meaningful engagement, companies need streamlined, accessible platforms that simplify the process and make volunteering an easy, rewarding experience for all employees.
GivingForce: Simplifying Corporate Volunteerism
GivingForce addresses these challenges with a comprehensive corporate giving portal that removes barriers to employee engagement in volunteering and charitable activities. Designed to align with company goals, the platform offers a range of customisable modules, including:
Employee Volunteering: Making it easy for employees to find, join, and log volunteer opportunities.
Payroll Giving: Streamlining charitable donations directly through payroll.
Company Matching: Amplifying employee contributions by matching donations.
Impact Reporting: Tracking and reporting on a company’s social and environmental contributions.
With over 1 million employees engaged globally, GivingForce empowers companies to foster a culture of social responsibility while making volunteer opportunities accessible and impactful.
Why Impact Reporting Matters
One of the standout features of GivingForce is its Impact Reporting module, which enables companies to measure and report their social and environmental contributions with precision. This transparency aligns with the increasing emphasis on CSR and ESG criteria, offering a clear view of how employee volunteerism supports broader corporate goals. By leveraging these insights, companies can build trust with stakeholders, demonstrate societal impact, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s socially conscious marketplace.
Volunteerism as a Talent Strategy
Structured employee volunteer programs don’t just benefit communities—they’re also a critical component of a company’s talent strategy. Today’s workforce is purpose-driven, particularly among younger demographics. Offering meaningful volunteer opportunities can significantly enhance your company’s appeal to prospective candidates while boosting retention among existing employees.
Consider this: A 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that employees who participate in workplace volunteer programs are 2.5 times more likely to feel engaged at work (Source: Deloitte). Team-based volunteering also builds camaraderie and shared purpose, helping employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the company’s mission.
By integrating volunteerism into your employee engagement strategy, you can stand out as an employer of choice, attract top talent, and cultivate a committed, satisfied workforce.
Why Choose GivingForce?
Unlike generic platforms, GivingForce offers tailored solutions that simplify every aspect of corporate giving. From finding and managing volunteer opportunities to tracking results, GivingForce makes it easy for companies to maximise the impact of their volunteer programs. With user-friendly tools, real-time reporting, and scalable features, we help organisations of all sizes build stronger, purpose-driven teams.
Take Action Today
Ready to transform your employee engagement strategy? By providing accessible and meaningful volunteer programs, you can enhance your employer brand, attract top talent, and foster a culture of giving within your organisation.
Get in touch today to learn how GivingForce can help your company drive meaningful social impact.
References:
58% increase in participation rates among employees and 44% rise in volunteer hours globally: CECP (Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose)
Team-based volunteering participation rates 7.5 times higher: Points of Light
86% of employees value workplace volunteer programs and 82% say it influences retention decisions: Deloitte Purpose and Impact Survey 2023
75% of millennials expect companies to support causes they care about: Forbes
73% of UK companies offer skills-based volunteering: Matchabl
