![A bulletin board with the word volunteer spelled out using colorful letters](https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Volunteer-Opportunities.jpg)
This past June, Deloitte released the results of a new survey that reveals workplace volunteer opportunities are important to employees and can help them feel more positive about their work experience, more connected to their colleagues, and have a greater sense of personal fulfillment and purpose.
The study led by Deloitte’s Purpose and DEI Office polled 1,000 U.S. office professionals and found the majority (95%) believe it’s important that their employer makes a positive impact in their community, with 87% of respondents considering workplace volunteer opportunities a factor in their decision to stay with their current employer or pursue a new one.
These results show the pivotal role volunteerism can play in an employee’s perception of and relationship with their employer and provide key insights for organizations to consider when looking to connect with and retain talent.
Additional findings include:
- 91% of survey respondents said volunteer opportunities can have a positive impact on their overall work experience and connection to their employer.
- Respondents who previously participated in employee volunteer programs indicated they did so to boost their sense of fulfillment and purpose (56%), strengthen their connection to their community (55%), improve their overall morale and teamwork (52%), and make them proud to work for their employer (49%).
- Nearly half (49%) of respondents who participated in workplace volunteer programs indicated it helped them build connection with their colleagues.
- Nearly all (95%) of respondents indicated it’s important to them to make a positive impact in their communities and the best way for their company to support their ability to do so is by organizing in-person opportunities with community organizations (52%), indicating a desire for more in-person connection and impact.
- Other ways employers can provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for their people include helping them put their professional skills to use with community organizations (45%) and providing paid time off for them to volunteer (42%).
Deloitte’s survey also indicates that participating in workplace volunteer opportunities has a ripple effect, capturing the power of workplace programs in effecting positive change. Nine in 10 (90%) respondents say their participation in workplace volunteer activities led to them participating in additional, independent volunteering activities, whether through the same organization or with other organizations within their community.
When companies encourage their employees to get involved in volunteer activities, everyone benefits. For employees, it’s a fantastic way to break out of the usual work routine and do something meaningful. Volunteering can boost morale, create a sense of purpose, and even improve teamwork among colleagues. Plus, knowing that your company cares about giving back can make you feel more connected and loyal to your employer.
For the companies themselves, employee volunteer programs are a win too. They help build a positive company image and can attract new talent who want to work for a socially responsible organization. Communities also gain from these programs, as businesses bring in resources and support for local causes. Whether it’s cleaning up a park, helping out at a food bank, or mentoring students, these efforts make a real difference. In the end, employee volunteer programs create a positive cycle: happy employees, stronger communities, and a company that stands out for all the right reasons.