Studies have revealed that more employees are participating in corporate volunteer activities, especially around the holiday season. This increase in volunteer activities has been shown to have an impact on teams that collaborate both in-person and remotely.
A recent article published by HR Dive featured data from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP), suggesting that work is becoming increasingly intertwined with corporate social responsibility and employee engagement in community service.
According to ACCP’s report, one-third of employers offered individual volunteering options, more than half provided group opportunities, and 26% offered virtual volunteering. This diversification in volunteering formats, especially the rise of virtual options, is particularly noteworthy. Virtual volunteering not only accommodates hybrid work environments, but it also allows international and local employees to collaborate on volunteer opportunities, which promotes global understanding and team cohesion.
The article also references the 2023 edition of “Giving in Numbers” by the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), which supports these findings.
If done correctly, volunteer programs can align with the corporate values of employees, which is reported by ACCP to be an increasingly important factor in the modern workforce. This alignment is revealed to not only boost employee morale but also promote the company’s positive image — potentially attracting and retaining top talent that values corporate social responsibility.
The move towards more inclusive and diverse volunteering options, such as virtual volunteering, makes it accessible to a broader range of employees, regardless of their location or work arrangements. This newfound inclusivity is central for the globalized and digitally connected work environments of the future.
