Corporate volunteering offers numerous benefits for teams and companies. It not only strengthens team spirit, but also improves collaboration, employee retention, and productivity. Here is an overview of the most important benefits:
- Better team dynamics: Common goals and activities promote trust and cooperation.
- Cross-departmental collaboration: Volunteer work connects employees from different areas.
- Higher employee retention: Shared values and meaningful activities increase loyalty and satisfaction.
- Development of leadership skills: Employees assume responsibility in new contexts.
- Motivation through meaningfulness: Social projects promote commitment and work ethic.
- Improved problem-solving skills: Volunteer work sharpens analytical and creative thinking.
- Stronger communication skills: Collaboration in diverse groups improves exchange.
- Social Responsibility: Teams develop awareness of social and ecological issues.
- Better employer brand: Visible commitment makes companies more attractive for talent.
- Long-term increase in productivity: Volunteering creates engaged and productive teams.
Conclusion: Corporate volunteering is an effective way to strengthen teams, motivate employees and promote corporate culture. At the same time, companies make an important contribution to society.
Best practice: corporate volunteering with lets
1. Better team dynamics through shared goals
Corporate volunteering provides an opportunity for teams to come together outside their usual work environment to to pursue common goals. Such experiences strengthen team dynamics and create a bond that goes far beyond everyday working life. These experiences can have a lasting positive effect on collaboration in the office.
Practical benefits for team building
Volunteering allows teams To take on roles outside of usual work tasks, which creates close connections. During such projects, they coordinate their efforts, share resources and solve challenges together — skills that can be transferred directly to everyday working life[1].
The figures speak for themselves: 64% of participants report that volunteering strengthens relationships with their colleagues[2]. Companies that rely on team volunteering also achieve a 7.5 times higher participation rate on volunteer projects compared to purely individual approaches[2].
“Since our team was still relatively new, I thought this would be a great team building exercise. It gave our team extra time to get to know each other and share ideas outside of our normal daily activities.” — Reggie R., Associate Director, Patient Assistance Program at Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation[1]
Through such activities, teams improve their communication, strengthen mutual trust and work together more effectively — all in a targeted environment[1].
Impact on employee engagement and retention
The positive effects on teamwork also have an impact on employee loyalty. 89% of employees are convinced that companies that promote volunteer work offer a more attractive working environment[3]. In a deloitte-Study also gave 70% of respondents states that such activities contribute to a more pleasant working atmosphere[2].
Volunteering creates a joint mission, which strengthens the connection between employees and the company. These experiences reduce stress, increase motivation and promote a harmonious team climate[3].
Tangible results for productivity
Teams that regularly participate in volunteer projects show better coordination and stronger working relationships[1].
Cooperation across departmental boundaries during such activities builds valuable connections and strengthens the company's internal network. These improved relationships result in more efficient teamwork and smoother collaboration in everyday working life[3].
To take full advantage of these benefits, companies should diverse volunteer opportunities offers that meet the various interests of employees. Large group projects promote networking, while more individual programs suit employees who would rather become active on their own[4].
2. Better collaboration between departments
Corporate volunteering breaks the usual departmental boundaries and creates real connections between different areas of the company. When employees from different departments work together on social projects, relationships are created that can sustainably improve daily collaboration. These connections are often the starting point for further positive developments, which are discussed in more detail below.
Practical benefits of cross-departmental collaboration
Volunteering changes the dynamics in companies — hierarchies recede into the background, and genuine human relationships come to the fore. Employees have the opportunity to Getting to know each other better outside the work environment, which strengthens team spirit and creates long-term connections[8].
Collaboration between different departments also brings together different skills and opens up new perspectives for creative problem solving[7]. Employees discover the strengths and competencies of their colleagues from other areas and can use this knowledge later in their daily work to work together more efficiently.
“The camaraderie that comes with volunteer service is unique. When a group of people comes together and works on a goal for the benefit of others, bonds quickly arise and there is almost a certain ease. Teams always leave with a sense of fulfillment, a greater understanding of the community, and a heartwarming human experience like no other.” — Lacey Jansen, CWB Program Manager, Community Engagement[8]
Measurable productivity results
The positive effects of cross-departmental volunteer work can also be measured. Habitat for Humanity After joint projects, such as building houses, was able to 30% increase in collaboration between departments determine. During these projects, employees not only share their skills but also personal experiences, which strengthens their ties beyond the workplace[7].
Another example provides salesforce: With the “Volunteers for Salesforce” initiative launched in 2018, employees were encouraged to get involved in charitable work. The result? Employee satisfaction increased by 25%, which shows how volunteering strengthens team cohesion and promotes collaboration[7]. These figures illustrate how such activities can not only improve productivity but also the working environment.
Implications for internal collaboration
Strengthened collaboration between departments has a direct impact on employee engagement. Shared experiences create stronger team dynamics and promote the willingness to cooperate across departments[7].
Volunteering strengthens that A sense of community and team spirit within the company[6]. This strengthened bond leads to a more positive working atmosphere and motivates employees to work more closely together in their everyday working lives.
This is particularly evident in Team building activities that bring together employees from different areas. People who normally have few points of contact get to know each other and build trust[8]. These new connections make communication and collaboration between departments easier later on and contribute to a more efficient organization. The positive effects are often directly felt in increased productivity.
3. Higher employee loyalty through shared values
Volunteering not only strengthens collaboration, but also shows how shared values can promote long-term employee retention. It creates an emotional connection between employees and their employer by aligning personal and corporate values. This combination is reflected in impressive results, as the following examples show.
Effects on employee engagement and loyalty
Shared values have a direct impact on employee loyalty. Companies with well-established volunteer programs report a 20% increase in employee retention. Even more impressive: Organizations whose employees are regularly active reduce their turnover by 50%[12].
For example, Salesforce saw huge volunteer participation in 2022. Your employees worked over 1.4 million hours, which equated to the equivalent of 20 million euros in the supported communities[12].
The figures speak for themselves: 98% of employees said they felt more loyal to their company after being offered volunteer programs. In addition, 99% were more satisfied with their jobs thanks to these offers[18].
“Employees who feel supported by their employers in volunteer activities are more likely to remain loyal to the company. In addition, potential candidates who see that a company encourages and values volunteering may be more inclined to choose that company as an employer.” — Habitat for Humanity[5]
This emotional connection is crucial for credibly and sustainably anchoring CSR initiatives.
Link to CSR and sustainability goals
The impact of volunteering is reinforced when it is strategically linked to a company's CSR and sustainability goals. 71% of employees stress how important it is to them that their corporate culture supports donations and volunteering[10].
The WorkNest Group provides an example of this: Its employees were involved in projects such as gardening at The Children's Adventure Farm Trust or a 2,274-kilometer bike ride to collect donations[9]. Such initiatives play an important role, particularly among younger generations. For example, 64% of millennials consider a company's social and environmental obligations when choosing an employer[12].
“Younger people say, 'I don't want to be just a small cog in a big machine. My work should give me an income, of course, but I want to know that my work is making a difference for the world, people, the planet, and others. And if I don't see that, then I'm not motivated. '” — Maria Emilia Correa, Wisdom Weaver and Co-Founder of Sistema B[15]
Tangible productivity results
Investing in volunteer programs based on shared values also pays off economically. Deloitte's Impact Day 2023 saw almost 55% of the workforce involved. The result: A 50% higher retention rate among committed employees and annual savings of around 3 million euros in recruitment and training costs[12].
Auch UBS Switzerland shows how successful such programs can be. In 2023, over 5,500 employees (26% of the local workforce) took part and provided more than 50,000 volunteer hours[5]. Companies that tailor their programs to make sense report 40% higher retention rates. For new employees, turnover even falls by 52% when they participate in such programs[13].
These figures show how strongly shared values can influence not only retention but also productivity in companies.
4. Development of leadership skills in real situations
This section highlights how leadership skills can be developed through real experiences, in particular through corporate volunteering. Such programs offer employees the opportunity to take on responsibility in a new context, far away from the traditional work environment. Instead of theoretical training, the focus here is on practical challenges that require real leadership skills.
Practical benefits for team development
Volunteering creates an excellent opportunity to strengthen critical leadership skills. Develop employees empathy, strategic thinking, and communication skillsby working with people from different backgrounds[19]. These experiences not only promote personal development, but also strengthen cooperation within the company.
An impressive example of this is a four-month project that Fidelity Investments together with America Needs You carried out. The team took on the complete redesign of the website of the non-profit organization, which offers educational and career mentoring. In addition to technical skills such as WordPress and user experience design, participants were also able to Project Management and Customer Care Skillsexpand. Over the months, they continuously developed these skills[23].
“The Community Connections Program is a significant opportunity for employees to develop their leadership skills while creating tremendous value for the community. We've seen many cases where employees developed various skills while supporting their community and then bringing those skills back to Credit Suisse in expanded roles — a win-win-win situation for everyone.” — Usha Pillai, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship & Foundations APAC at Credit Suisse[22]
Effects on employee engagement and retention
The positive effects of volunteering on career development are clear: 80% of respondents said that these experiences made it easier for them to move up to management positions. In addition, 92% reported an improvement in their professional skills[13].
Another study showed that 40-45% of volunteers saw a significant improvement in areas such as leadership, mentoring, motivation, project management and public presentations[20]. These advances not only increase individual performance, but also employee commitment to their company.
Pro bono programs achieve similar results: 73% of managers reported that their employees were able to develop their leadership skills through such experiences[16]. These skills help you make complex decisions and move confidently in new, often challenging situations.
Measurable productivity results
The benefits of such programs not only affect employees, but also company performance. Skills-based volunteer projects offer tangible career development opportunities. According to a survey, felt 96% of participants such programs as helpful for their professional development. They reported improvements in areas such as creative thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and the ability to implement ideas quickly[23].
An example of the success of such programs provides PwC. In 2021, the company launched a skills-based volunteer program that included 40 paid hours of community service. The results: Pro bono services rose by 20%, while social justice projects around 30%gain. Particularly remarkable: 95% of employees felt they were having a positive impact, and almost two thirds found their work fulfilling[21].
“Start small, but be open to where volunteering takes you. Over time, you can grow into roles that enable you to make an even bigger impact.” — Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter International[19]
These programs not only create better leaders, but also motivated and engaged teams.
5. Higher motivation through meaningful activities
Volunteering, which creates real social added value, can significantly increase team motivation. Such joint projects not only promote a sense of community, but also give each individual the feeling to make a meaningful difference. The following shows how this increased motivation affects everyday working life.
Team building benefits
Joint volunteer projects create new dynamics and strengthen relationships within the team. A survey shows that 70% of employees state that volunteering improves morale while 64% a closer connection with colleagues feel[2]. These figures show how positive effects such projects have on team cohesion.
An example of this is Chobani: In 2016, employees spent over 3,500 hours of volunteer work and distributed more than 525,000 yogurt packs. After Hurricane Harvey, employees helped load trucks with yogurt for Houston. In addition, donations were made to Save the Children collected, which were doubled by Chobani[24].
Companies that offer team volunteering programs report a higher employee participationon charitable projects. The reason is simple: People would rather work together on something meaningful than act in isolation.
“There is a growing understanding of the relationship between engagement, purpose, and profitability.” — Nancy McGaw, Deputy Director of the Business and Society Program at the Aspen Institute[24]
Effects on engagement and retention
In addition to strengthening team spirit, volunteering also has an impact on individual commitment. Many employees feel more motivated through meaningful activities. 74% of respondents According to a survey, volunteering improves their sense of purpose[26].
Dropbox is one example: As part of the “Dropbox for Good” program, employees spent more than 4,000 hours of volunteer work over three years[24]. Postmates also shows how effective such programs can be: More than 300 employees collected more than 1,200 hours of volunteer work in offices across the country — from San Francisco to Nashville[24].
According to a Deloitte survey, believe 91% of respondentsthat volunteering has a positive impact on their overall work experience[25]. Employees who feel connected to their colleagues get involved 2.3 times more common in their work[27].
“People really want a reason to come together, and getting together in a volunteer environment is one of the biggest motivators.” — Jennifer Sirangelo, CEO of Points of Light[25]
Measurably increase productivity
Investing in meaningful team activities pays off. Companies operating in Team building through volunteer work invest, report an average return on investment of around 5 to 1[27]. A study with multinational companies showed that employee morale through volunteer programs increased by 15%soared[28].
Productivity also benefits: A survey of more than 500 companies revealed a 12% increase in productivityafter volunteer programs have been introduced[28]. There is also employee turnover in companies with such programs up to 8% lower than the industry average[28].
A specific example provides Discover Financial Services: After attending MatterBox packaging events, they felt 99% of employees happier in their job, and 98% reported increased loyalty[29]. In total, there were 95% of participants states that volunteering has increased their job satisfaction[29].
“Volunteering has probably taught me more than working in an office—about how to work together and how our work connects to the communities we support around us, and ultimately how to relate to each other and be better people for each other.” — Allison Hope Kahn, marketing and communications professional[25]
The data clearly shows that volunteering not only strengthens team dynamics, but also increases employee productivity and satisfaction. 77% of employees say company-funded volunteer activities are essential for their wellbeing[10]. When teams work together on meaningful projects, the result is a committed corporate culture, which has a direct impact on the success of the company.
6. Better development of problem-solving skills
Volunteering in a corporate environment provides an excellent opportunity to sharpen problem-solving skills in real, often challenging situations. Employees face real tasks that require creative thinking and collaboration across departmental boundaries. These experiences promote analytical thinking and open up new perspectives — skills that flow directly into team building.
Practical benefits for team building
When teams work together on volunteer projects, they must use resources effectively, distribute tasks wisely and develop solutions together[1]. Such projects create space for unconventional approaches and promote exchange between different specialist areas.
One inspiring example comes from Johnson & Johnson in Switzerland. As part of the “Talent for Good” program, eight volunteer projects were implemented with four NGOs. This program attracted a lot of attention and received consistently positive feedback — both for the teams and for the NGOs[31].
“With our relatively new team, I thought this would be a great team building exercise. It gave our team extra time to get to know each other and share ideas outside of our normal daily activities.”
— Reggie R., Associate Director, Patient Assistance Program at the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation[1]
Such projects also create a platform on which employees can work together regardless of their usual roles[30]. This opens up new communication channels and strengthens problem-solving skills, which are also an advantage in everyday working life.
More employee retention and engagement
The benefits don't end with team building. Skill-based volunteering also has a positive impact on employee motivation and retention. 96% of companies report that volunteers are more engaged than their colleagues who don't participate[32]. That's because they get the chance to test their professional skills in a different context[10]. Volunteers also report 59% higher work ethic compared to non-volunteers[16]. These experiences not only strengthen self-confidence, but also the willingness to apply innovative solutions in everyday life.
“Volunteering is a critical key for employees to find a sense of purpose and belonging through work.”
— Amy Bartolotta, co-leader of the Professional Women's Network (PWN) at The Hartford[30]
In addition, 92% of hiring managers say that incorporating business skills into charitable projects is an effective way to expand leadership and professional skills[10].
Tangible results for companies
The problem-solving skills developed through volunteering have a direct impact on productivity. Companies report improved collaboration and performance, even in hybrid work environments[5][16]. Such projects promote the development of valuable networks and inspire creative solutions that can be directly transferred to everyday working life.
Using expertise in new contexts not only strengthens analytical and creative thinking, but also helps teams look at complex challenges from different perspectives. These skills are later incorporated into regular work and improve results.
Companies that partner with local nonprofit organizations can specifically identify where their employees can make the most difference[10]. When the skills of the teams are optimally tailored to the needs of the organizations, both sides benefit — the teams develop their competencies and the charitable projects achieve greater impact.
7. Improved communication skills in diverse groups
Volunteering goes beyond simple problem-solving skills and also strengthens communication skills — an essential component of successful teamwork. Corporate volunteering brings together employees from different departments, hierarchical levels and cultural backgrounds. Such diverse groups promote exchange and offer opportunities to refine communication skills — experiences that are often neglected in everyday office life.
Clear communication is crucial for volunteer projects: Teams must distribute resources, coordinate tasks and find solutions together[1]. This collaboration not only improves team dynamics, but also interpersonal relationships[1].
Practical benefits for team building
Volunteering in a team creates a new dynamic, as roles and hierarchies take a back seat. In this casual environment, team members can build more authentic connections and get to know each other on a more personal level[8].
This approach is particularly valuable for employees who rarely work together on a daily basis[8]. Companies that promote team volunteering report a 7.5 times higher participation rate in volunteer programs[2]. In addition, 64% of participants state that such activities strengthen camaraderie among colleagues[2].
For example, a financial services provider offers skills-based volunteer projects where employees use their professional skills to support nonprofit organizations and small businesses. This approach has not only helped the community but also promoted the professional development of employees — visible in increased productivity and improved problem-solving skills in the workplace[28].
Positive effects on employee retention and engagement
The strengthened communication skills complement other benefits such as joint goal tracking and cross-departmental collaboration. 64% of volunteers report improved working relationships[26], which contributes to a more positive corporate culture and increased productivity[16].
Cultural sensitivity promoted by volunteering also plays an important role. 71% of respondents stress the importance of a work environment that supports engagement and volunteering[16]. Companies with committed employees even achieve 21% higher profits than those without comparable commitment[16].
Measurable impact on productivity
The communication skills improved through volunteering have a direct impact on company performance. According to a survey, 92% of HR managers confirm that using professional skills in charitable projects is an effective way to strengthen leadership and professional skills[10]. In addition, companies with engaged employees are 22% more profitable[10], and 77% of respondents say that volunteering is important for their personal wellbeing[10].
In addition, employees learn to adapt flexibly to different perspectives and working styles[1]. This skill is essential in today's diverse working environment and lays the foundation for further success — both as a team and individually.
8. Greater responsibility towards society and the environment
Corporate volunteering sensitizes employees to social and environmental challenges. When teams work together on social or environmental projects, they create a stronger connection to the community and a deeper understanding of how their efforts can make positive change. These shared experiences also strengthen team cohesion through shared values.
Interesting about this: 88% of consumers show more loyalty to companies that are committed to social and environmental issues, and 92% have a more positive image of such companies[35]. This form of social responsibility creates a basis for long-term team loyalty in various volunteer projects.
Practical benefits for team building
Volunteer projects with a social or environmental focus offer a unique opportunity to create real connections between team members. Unlike classic team events, which are often designed in a playful way, colleagues here work on a common goal that goes beyond the workplace. This leads to deeper and more sustainable relationships.
“Honestly the best team activity I've ever done. There were tears that day because it meant so much to them — you can't buy this emotional response with employees.”
— Suzie Dundon, internal communications manager at CarTrawler[34]
FedEx was also able to document similar results: 93% of volunteers reported higher morale and greater pride than team members, 88% enjoyed working with colleagues, and 100% would recommend the program[37].
Effects on employee retention and engagement
Participation in volunteer programs has measurable effects on employee satisfaction and retention. Studies show that employees who engage in CSR initiatives 50% higher job satisfaction report[36]. In addition, there were 79% of employees who volunteered through employer-funded programs say they are satisfied with their jobs — compared to just 55% without such offers[17].
Patagonia is one example of this: The company encourages its employees to use at least eight hours of paid time off per year for environmental projects. The result? An employee retention rate of 70%[36]. At the same time feel 82% of volunteers are more closely connected to corporate culture, and 87% say that volunteer programs are decisive for whether they stay with their current employer or reorient themselves[16].
Alignment with CSR and sustainability goals
More and more companies are recognizing the strategic benefits of combining volunteer programs with their CSR goals. This is how Fortune 500 companies invested around in 2023 15 billion US dollars in CSR initiatives, where corporate volunteering played a central role[33]. One notable example is Google, which launched startup accelerators for black and women-led companies in 2020 and 175 million US dollars invested in economic opportunities for black business owners, founders, and job seekers[31].
Companies that support social projects also benefit economically: They achieve a 6% higher market value and achieve 20% more turnover. Also buy 87% of Americans prefer products from companies whose values match their own[31]. The combination of CSR goals with volunteer work therefore not only has a positive effect on society, but also on business figures.
Measurable productivity results
The sense of responsibility within teams, strengthened by social commitment, has a direct impact on productivity. Jobs with a high level of employee engagement record a 21% increase in productivity[7], and companies with committed employees are 22% more profitable[10].
One example is Unilever, whose “Sustainable Living Plan” pursues ambitious goals to reduce the ecological footprint and promote social projects. Employees reported increased motivation as they were able to see the results of their work — such as biodegradable packaging — directly. This led to a 22% increase in cross-team collaboration[36].
L'Oréal also shows how CSR activities can promote team spirit. During joint clean-up days and the introduction of environmentally friendly products, 77% of participants feel more connected to their colleagues after these activities[36].
9. Better employer brand through visible commitment
Having previously focused on internal benefits for teams, we are now looking at the external positioning as an attractive employer. Corporate volunteering offers companies the opportunity to show their best side not only to potential employees, but also to the public. When teams work together on social projects, an honest and positive image of the company is created — far beyond what traditional marketing measures can achieve. This visible commitment strengthens the company's reputation and makes it a sought-after place to work.
A look at the figures shows how important the topic is: 64% of millennials would turn down a job with a company without strong CSR practices, and 75% would be prepared to accept salary losses for a socially responsible company[16]. Such initiatives not only have an impact on external perception, but also promote a sense of community within the team.
Practical benefits for team building
Volunteer projects that are publicly visible create a special platform for team building. In contrast to purely internal events, these activities are often publicly documented and shared, which gives employees an additional sense of pride and motivation. 89% of employees believe that companies offer a better working environment with volunteer programs[11].
CSX provides an impressive example in collaboration with the Wounded Warrior Project. The company initiated a drone training program for veterans, in which CSX employees invested over 240 hours of their time[39]. This commitment not only strengthened team cohesion, but also positioned CSX as a responsible employer in the public eye.
Effects on employee engagement and retention
Engagement in visible projects has clear advantages: 79% of employees who volunteer through employer-financed programs are satisfied with their jobs, compared to just 55% without such programs[39]. In addition, the probability that employees will leave the company is reduced by 52%when they participate in corporate purpose programs[39].
Public perception also plays a role: 90% of consumers want to know how companies support charities[11], and 60% have already geared their buying behavior to the actions of a brand[11]. This external attention reinforces the pride of employees that they are part of a company with social influence.
Alignment with CSR and sustainability goals
Combining team volunteering with CSR goals can strengthen the employer brand in the long term. Positive impact brands achieved brand value growth of 175%, while lower-impact brands only achieved 70% growth[11]. This strategic orientation not only offers competitive advantages, but also sustainable success.
Johnson & Johnson in Switzerland is an impressive example. Through the “Talent for Good” program in collaboration with Alaya by Benevity, eight skill-sharing missions implemented for four NGOs. The program was very well received, promoted applications and received positive feedback. At the same time, employees were able to expand their professional skills — a double win for employees and non-profit organizations[31].
73% of customers expect companies to help society and the environment[21], and 87% of Americans prefer products from companies whose values match their own[31].
Measurable productivity results
Visible commitment to social projects pays off — even in figures. 88% of HR leaders report that volunteering improves their organization's reputation[2], while 86% of employees believe that such programs strengthen their loyalty to the company[14].
The LEGO Group provides a prime example. With its focus on children, the environment and people, the company not only has the title of world's most respected company but also built up remarkable customer loyalty. 57% of consumers said they would buy LEGO Group products— a figure that is 13 percentage points above that of other top companies[31].
“Every day, LEGO Group employees are encouraged to make decisions that are right for kids, our fans, our partners, the environment, and our local communities.” — Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of LEGO Group[31]
This consistent commitment to social values not only strengthens internal cohesion, but also leads to measurable business success.
10. Long-term productivity gains in the team
Corporate volunteering shows impressive effects over time and leads to measurable increases in productivity. In 2022, just 23% of the global workforce was engaged, resulting in a loss of 8.8 trillion US dollars in unused productivity[13]. There is enormous potential here, which strategically deployed volunteer programs can exploit. These long-term effects build on the benefits for teams described above.
Practical benefits for team building
Corporate volunteering has the potential to take team building to a new level — far beyond classic team events. Studies show that companies with engaged employees achieve a 17% increase in productivity and a 21% increase in profitability[41]. One example is Softcat, which achieved a 30% participation rate in its volunteer programs within six months. This was made possible by exemplary leadership, flexible participation options and regular reports on the results achieved[42]. In addition, paid volunteer leave (VTO) programs increase engagement by over 7% and productivity by 13%[40].
Effects on employee engagement and retention
Long-term productivity gains are strongly linked to employee retention and satisfaction. Companies with a clear purpose have 40% higher retention rates than other companies[13]. In addition, 79% of employees who volunteer through work-related programs are satisfied with their job — compared to just 55% of those who don't participate[17]. PwC provides an impressive example: A competency-based volunteer program with 40 hours of paid time off increased pro bono services by 20% and contributions to social justice projects by 30%. At the same time, 95% of employees said they had made a positive impact[21]. Companies with volunteer days also have 52% less employee turnover. In contrast, disengaged employees cost 450 to 550 billion US dollars annually[16][32][41].
Alignment with CSR and sustainability goals
The stronger retention of employees also has a positive effect on the achievement of CSR goals. A full 83% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that actively promotes social and environmental issues, while 71% find it important to work for such a company[38][10][32]. Hormel Foods impressively demonstrates this with their “Nourishing Champions” initiative: More than 150 employees packaged 24,000 meals for school canteens and non-profit organizations. 93% of students felt more connected to their school and 73% learned more about food insecurity[29].
“Hormel Foods team members relish opportunities to get involved in the communities where they live and work.” — Katie Clark, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Hormel Foods[29]
Specific productivity figures
Companies with highly engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% and at the same time report 41% less absenteeism[2][41]. Discover Financial Services provides an example of this. At the MatterBox events 2022—2023, the number of participants doubled to 2,002 people. The feedback was overwhelming: 99% of participants were happier, 98% felt more loyal, and 97% would recommend MATTER as a volunteer platform[29].
“MATTER made it easy to give back to our communities by volunteering from wherever we are located. Our employees love MatterBox packing events and they also appreciate being able to donate within their local communities. Furthermore, since we have employees back in our offices, we have been hosting additional packing events in person. Employees can make connections and give back at the same time allowing teams to create more team building opportunities.” — Alyse Perkowitz, Manager, Community Affairs, Discover Financial Services[29]
German company examples and case studies
In recent years, German companies have developed impressive corporate volunteering programs that not only strengthen teamwork but also achieve measurable results. Here are a few examples that show how these initiatives work in practice and what positive effects they have.
Henkel: 25 years of “Make an Impact on Tomorrow”
With the initiative launched in 1998, Henkel “Make an Impact on Tomorrow” (MIT) took on a pioneering role in corporate volunteering. The program comprises three approaches: individual, team-based, and competency-based engagement. Employees can receive paid time off, product donations, or financial support for personal projects. As part of team volunteering, Henkel organizes activities such as the Special Olympics or participation in environmental activities such as trash fighter projects.
One example of Henkel's commitment is its support for the Tamaho School in South Africa since 2007, which also offers internships. At the Special Olympics in Berlin, 60 Henkel employees from various countries helped to support the athletes and organize the event. Such initiatives not only promote teamwork, but also strengthen global corporate culture.
“You give something and you get so much more in return” — Henkel employees
“Especially individual volunteering should simply be a matter of heart.” — Andrea Becher, Head of Global Employer Reputation, Recruitment and Corporate Citizenship, Henkel
Siemens: Strategic employee development through “Cents4Sense”
Siemens offers paid volunteer work to its employees twice a year and, with the initiative, “Cents4Sense” developed an innovative donation model. Since 2018, Siemens shareholders have been donating the value of five dividends of their shares to social projects, with Siemens doubling every donation. To date, over 1.2 million euros have been raised, which have been invested in projects such as early childhood education in Berlin, the promotion of women in Uganda, climate education in Brazil and green career opportunities for young people in Kenya.
Allianz: Volunteer programs with specific benefits
Allianz combines individual and team-based approaches in its volunteer programs. Employees receive 8 hours of paid time annually for volunteer work. After five years of employment, it is even possible to use a one-month paid sabbatical (approx. 160 hours) for volunteer work. In addition, this supports “Make a Difference (MAD) Volunteer Project” local organizations with 100 US dollars per employee when groups of at least five people are involved together. These programs not only promote team building, but also have a visible positive impact on society.
“A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture — in fact, it's the key to our success.” — Allianz Careers
Siemens Energy: Flexible support for team initiatives
Siemens Energy provides financial support for team volunteering projects. Groups that work together for nonprofit organizations can receive grants ranging from $500 to $1,000. This flexibility enables employees to start initiatives and take action on their own.
Success factors of German corporate volunteering programs
The examples above show that successful corporate volunteering programs have several key features in common: paid time off, financial support from the company, international orientation, and long-term partnerships with non-profit organizations. These measures enable employees to get involved without private costs and at the same time promote local and global perspectives. Particularly noteworthy is the combination of individual and team-based approaches, which take personal interests and team goals equally into account. German companies are proving that corporate volunteering is more than just a “nice-to-have” — it is a strategic tool for strengthening corporate culture and retaining employees.
conclusion
Corporate volunteering has proven to be a powerful tool to strengthen teams and positively influence corporate culture. The figures speak for themselves: Companies that rely on team volunteering experience a 7.5 times higher participation rate in volunteer programs. At the same time, they report a better mood and stronger team spirit[2].
This commitment also pays off in the long term. 89% of employees Evaluate companies with volunteer programs as employers with a more pleasant working environment[2]. This clearly shows that corporate volunteering is an important component of corporate success.
The lets platform makes it easy for companies to utilize this potential. With access to over 2,500 audited non-profit organizations and more than 3,000 projects In Germany, teams can select targeted initiatives that match their values and interests. In addition to the easy organization of volunteer projects, the platform also makes it possible to measure the effects using real-time dashboards.
However, the success of such programs depends on well-thought-out implementation. Clear goals, paid time off, and a combination of individual and team-based approaches are crucial. In this way, companies can not only build stronger teams, but also position themselves as an attractive employer in the competition for talent.
faqs
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How does corporate volunteering strengthen team dynamics and collaboration?
Corporate volunteering: A boost for team dynamics
When teams volunteer together, something special happens: cooperation, communicationsand trust are noticeably improving within the group. Such activities bring people together, promote a strong sense of community and allow team spirit to flourish — after all, everyone is working together towards a goal.
In addition, these experiences provide a great opportunity to strengthen social skills and take relationships between colleagues to a new level. The result? A more pleasant working atmosphere and a deeper connection with the company.
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How does corporate volunteering help to strengthen employee satisfaction and retention?
Corporate volunteering: A win for everyone
Corporate volunteering can significantly increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. Why Because it not only promotes a sense of community, but also strengthens team motivation. When employees are given the opportunity to get involved in social projects, they not only feel valued but also feel more connected to their company.
Such programs also have a positive impact on the working environment. They promote cooperation, create more harmonious cooperation and contribute to improving the company's image externally. Companies that support active volunteering benefit in two ways: They retain their employees more closely and at the same time make themselves attractive to potential talent.
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How can the success of corporate volunteering measures be assessed in terms of productivity and corporate image?
How can the success of corporate volunteering be measured?
The success of corporate volunteering is reflected in several areas. Research shows that employees who participate in such programs are often happier and more motivated. This not only leads to stronger ties to the company, but also to a more positive working atmosphere. In particular, teams that implement voluntary projects together often report a strengthened sense of community and improved cooperation.
In addition, corporate volunteering often has a direct impact on a company's productivity and public image. Companies that assume social responsibility are usually seen in a better light by society. In the long term, this can help position the company as an attractive employer. For employees, this often also means greater identification with their employer's values and goals.
