Volunteering is no longer just something you do on a free Saturday. More and more companies are giving employees the opportunity to volunteer for nonprofit organizations during work hours.
Sustainable Development Goals:
These five reasons show why an increasing number of companies are consciously making room for volunteering during work hours:
- More engaged and motivated employees
Corporate volunteering gives employees the feeling that their work matters. By helping others, they find a sense of purpose and pride. It’s no surprise that 94 percent of employees feel positive after volunteering through their work (NLvoorelkaar). Engaged employees are more motivated, more loyal, and enjoy their work more. - Stronger corporate culture and collaboration
Engaging in corporate volunteering together strengthens bonds among colleagues. Employees get to know each other in a different way, outside their daily roles. This builds trust, collaboration, and a sense of teamwork. As UBS states: “Corporate volunteering deepens employee connection and strengthens company culture.” - Enhanced employer attractiveness
Social engagement is a key factor for many employees when choosing an employer. Sixty percent of employees consider social engagement through their work to be important; among Millennials, this figure rises to 91 percent (NLvoorelkaar). Corporate volunteering demonstrates what your organization stands for and helps attract and retain talent. - Skill and Talent Development
Corporate volunteering offers employees the opportunity to develop new skills, such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Additionally, employees find themselves in a new environment, which requires them to step outside their comfort zone. VrijwilligerswerkNL emphasizes that the impact extends beyond the activity itself: employees grow, both personally and professionally. - Visible and local social impact
Companies have manpower, knowledge, and a large network—exactly what social organizations
need. Through corporate volunteering, you actively build strong relationships with social organizations and government agencies. Like Volunteer Matter says: ‘Well-structured corporate volunteer
work creates mutual benefits for employees, businessses, and nonprofit partners’.
By giving employees the opportunity to help others, companies invest not only in society but also in their own organization.
However, corporate volunteering only truly works when it is well organized. That is where the strength of Samen voor onze Regio lies. As a connecting link, they match social needs with the talents and time of employees. Companies are relieved of the burden, social organizations receive appropriate support, and volunteers know exactly what to expect. When will you start corporate volunteering?
