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The benefits of corporate volunteering

Corporate volunteering isn’t just good for communities, it’s good for business. A strong employee volunteering offer can unlock measurable value across employee experience, brand reputation, social impact, and business performance.

Done right, it creates a culture of purpose, connection, and shared success.

Why corporate volunteering matters

Corporate volunteering is more than a goodwill gesture; it’s a strategic lever for businesses to create shared value. It connects employees to purpose, strengthens communities, and supports key business goals like retention, reputation and ESG performance.

Why is corporate volunteering important?

It’s one of the most effective ways to deliver real social impact while engaging employees in meaningful work beyond their day job.

It supports causes that matter. From tackling social isolation to improving public health, and it helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

At the same time, it helps organisations:

  • Strengthen reputation and brand purpose
  • Improve morale and retention
  • Develop skills like leadership, communication and empathy
  • Deliver against CSR, ESG and social value targets.

44% of employers say employee volunteering has already improved wellbeing across their organisation

How does an organisation or nonprofit benefit from volunteers? 

Volunteers offer more than time. They bring energy, ideas and skills that help charities deliver services and scale their impact.

From event support to specialist expertise in IT, strategy or finance, corporate volunteers provide vital capacity at a time when demand on the voluntary sector is rising.

Key benefits for business & employees

5 benefits of corporate volunteering 

  • 1. Stronger employee engagement and team cohesion

    Volunteering encourages collaboration and builds relationships across teams and departments.

  • 2. Enhanced brand perception & reputation

    A visible commitment to social impact builds loyalty among customers, partners, and prospective employees.

  • 3. Opportunities for leadership and skill development

    Volunteering gives employees the chance to grow, especially junior staff, in real-world, often cross-sector settings.

  • 4. Delivery on CSR and ESG strategies

    Volunteering programmes contribute directly to social value, diversity, equity and sustainability targets.

  • 5. Improved wellbeing, motivation and retention

    Staff who volunteer report higher job satisfaction, resilience and connection to purpose.

Nearly half (46%) of employers agree that volunteering is effective as a workplace wellbeing benefit.

Employee engagement & retention 

Corporate volunteering is a proven way to build stronger, more motivated teams. Our research shows that nearly a third (31%) of businesses report increased employee loyalty as a result of corporate volunteering.

  • Drives sense of purpose at work: employees are more likely to stay with organisations whose values reflect their own.
  • Strengthens workplace relationships: shared volunteering experiences foster trust and connection, especially in hybrid or cross-functional teams.
  • Builds pride and motivation: seeing their employer contribute to society boosts morale and loyalty.
  • Signals a strong, values-led culture: Today’s workforce values empathy, care and social responsibility and volunteering helps reinforce those values.
  • Supports wellbeing and reduces burnout: Volunteering offers a break from daily routine and helps employees recharge through purposeful activity.
  • Builds transferable skills and supports employee development: a benefit increasingly recognised in ESG reporting and procurement evaluations. It’s also a measurable way to show social value through real-world impact.

Social impact & social value

Corporate volunteering should be measured in outcomes, not just hours. A well-designed programme can support your ESG or CSR reporting with:

  • Community partnerships and social value metrics
  • Demonstrable employee engagement KPIs
  • Case studies that bring your impact story to life.
Explore CSR & Social Impact

Ready to explore the possibilities?  

Royal Voluntary Service offers tools and support to help scale your impact. From tailored volunteering days to digital solutions that connect employees with the right roles.

Contact our Volunteering Marketplace team today.