Leaders are always seeking ways to improve—not only themselves, but their teams, organizations, and the broader communities they touch. Sometimes this involves cutting costs, investing in leadership training, building a strong employer brand, or finding new ways to boost employee morale and engagement.

But there’s one powerful, underutilized tool that supports all of these goals at once: volunteerism.

Encouraging and supporting employee volunteerism doesn’t just benefit nonprofits or community organizations. It has a lasting impact on individuals, team dynamics, company culture, and even business outcomes. Research continues to show that when organizations intentionally integrate volunteerism into their culture, the results are compelling.

Let’s explore how supporting volunteerism benefits individuals, organizations, and the world—and we’ll offer you actionable ways that your business can encourage volunteerism.

Better Yourself: The Personal Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering is often thought of as simply “doing good,” but it does just as much for the person giving their time as it does for the community receiving it. In fact, the benefits of volunteering on personal well-being are so significant that some public health experts now consider it a component of wellness.

Mental and Emotional Health

Volunteering increases happiness, combats feelings of loneliness, and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Cleveland Clinic is just one institution that has reported on the mental health benefits of volunteering. There are other studies that show those who volunteer regularly report higher levels of life satisfaction and psychological well-being compared to non-volunteers.

Helping others also activates regions of the brain associated with reward, pleasure, and trust. The so-called “helper’s high” is real—it triggers a dopamine release, boosting mood and promoting emotional resilience.

Physical Health Benefits

Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests volunteering is linked to lower blood pressure, decreased risk of chronic diseases, and even increased lifespan. In older adults, consistent volunteer work can improve mobility and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While not a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet, giving your time to others can support holistic wellness.

Career and Skill Development

Volunteering isn’t just about service—it’s also a strategic way to build skills. Many roles in volunteerism involve project management, public speaking, event planning, conflict resolution, fundraising, and leadership. For employees looking to grow professionally, volunteerism is a way to gain hands-on experience in a low-risk environment.

In fact, LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report highlighted that 92% of talent professionals say soft skills—like leadership, communication, and collaboration—are equally or more important than hard skills. Volunteerism provides a meaningful, practical way to develop those traits.

Sense of Purpose and Joy

Life can often feel like a constant cycle of meetings, deadlines, and obligations. Volunteering brings people back to purpose. Studies show that individuals who regularly engage in community service experience greater life satisfaction and self-esteem. It’s not just fulfilling—it’s joyful.

Better Your Organization: The Business Case for Volunteerism

Beyond personal benefits, companies that foster a culture of volunteerism unlock advantages that directly influence business performance, brand value, and employee loyalty.

Higher Employee Engagement and Motivation

Employees are more likely to be engaged when they feel their work has meaning beyond the bottom line. A 2024 Deloitte survey found that nearly 95% say it is important to them that their employer contributes to the community in a positive way.  87% of them responded that workplace volunteer opportunities factor into their employment decisions. When organizations provide structured opportunities to give back, employees report greater job satisfaction and a stronger sense of pride in their employer.

Improved Retention and Recruitment

This higher employee engagement directly affects retention and recruitment. We all know that employee turnover is expensive. Replacing an employee can cost anywhere from 30% to 200% of their annual salary, depending on the role. Companies that offer volunteer programs see increased retention, especially among Millennials and Gen Z workers. These generations, who now make up more than half the workforce, prioritize purpose-driven work. According to a report by Submittable, businesses who are committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) report a 13% increase in productivity and 50% reduced turnover. They found that 53% of employees say having a job where they can make an impact is important to their overall happiness and 58% say they would take a pay cut to work for a company whose values align with their own.  

Boosted Brand Reputation

In addition to the benefits companies can see internally, consumers, clients, and job seekers are paying attention to how companies show up in the world. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer optional—it’s expected.

When companies actively support community initiatives, they enhance public perception, build trust, and foster goodwill. This kind of reputation is invaluable in competitive markets.

Enhanced Team Dynamics and Culture

When employees volunteer together—whether planting trees, organizing food drives, or mentoring students—they build relationships outside the workplace hierarchy. This helps break down barriers, strengthen communication, and foster collaboration.

Volunteering can also serve as an alternative to traditional team-building activities. It gives teams a shared goal, reinforces company values, and leaves a lasting impact beyond just another icebreaker or happy hour. Approximately 70% of employees say that they feel participating in volunteer activities as a team is better at fostering a positive office culture than happy hours.

EFR employees beautifying the community by planting trees.

Better the World: How to Build a Culture of Volunteerism at Work

So how can your organization support volunteerism in a way that’s intentional and effective?

Here are some practical ways to start—or strengthen—your efforts:

Offer Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

One of the most meaningful ways to support employees in giving back is to give them time to do it. Offering company paid volunteer hours annually in addition to traditional PTO allows employees to give time to causes that are important to them without using vacation or personal time. This also communicates that the company values service and is willing to invest in it.

Organize Group Volunteer Events

Coordinate monthly or quarterly opportunities for teams to volunteer together. Whether it’s assembling hygiene kits, packing meals, or participating in local cleanup days, group service events help employees connect while making a difference. These events can also serve as onboarding experiences or part of leadership development programs.

Partner with Local Nonprofits

Forming long-term partnerships with local nonprofits ensures consistent, impactful engagement. Consider conducting regular needs assessments with nonprofit partners to determine how your employees can best support their missions through time, talent, or donations.

If your company operates in multiple locations, empower local offices to choose partners that align with community needs.

Encourage Skill-Based Volunteering

Employees often have valuable skills that nonprofits need—marketing, legal support, finance, IT, HR, and more. Encourage employees to lend their professional expertise by facilitating pro bono work or consulting-style engagements. Skill-based volunteering provides deeper impact for nonprofits while reinforcing employees’ own talents and strengths.

Celebrate and Share Stories

Recognize employees who volunteer, and share their stories in company newsletters, intranet features, or social media. Not only does this celebrate their efforts, but it inspires others to get involved.

Final Thoughts: A Ripple Effect of Good

When businesses prioritize volunteerism, the impact is exponential. Employees feel more fulfilled, organizations build stronger cultures and reputations, and communities become more resilient and connected. Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or employee advocate, now is the time to embed service into your company culture. Volunteerism doesn’t just better individuals—it strengthens businesses and improves the world around us.

You can better yourself, better your organization and better the world, with just one hour of service at a time.