Workforce Report | Volunteerism at Work

Giving back to nonprofits and devoting personal time, talent and treasure has been trending down in the last decade.  It is a different story in the world of corporate philanthropy. 

Since 2018, corporate giving and volunteerism is up.  According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 47% of U.S. companies offered community volunteer programs in 2018, up from 40% in 2014. That percentage is even higher for large companies. The Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose—a global coalition of multibillion-dollar companies—reports that 66% of its member firms offered paid-time-off volunteer programs in 2019, compared with 56% in 2016.

There are many reasons to believe that the upward trajectory will continue. After collective crises, like the most recent pandemic, individuals and businesses alike are often moved to address and respond to society’s needs.

Many studies have shown that volunteer programs boost productivity, increase employee engagement, and improve hiring and retention. Research has also firmly established the benefits of volunteering to people’s well-being and sense of purpose, not to mention their physical and mental health.

Recently, SHRM has stated “Organizations can use volunteering programs to raise employee engagement and promote retention if they think strategically about how this benefit is offered, monitored and celebrated. Employers can also be proactive in helping to guide employee volunteerism but should ensure that these efforts align with corporate goals, while also honoring and supporting employees’ personal volunteer interests.”

If you are considering adding paid time for volunteering either as group or individually, consider:

• Are the causes varied, exciting and inclusive enough so anyone can relate to at least one opportunity a year?
• Are the causes sponsored by employees themselves who will be able to share their passion for the cause with their colleagues?

Kelly Fuller 
Vice President of Talent & Workforce Development 
KellyFuller@columbus.org