Serving Others, Strengthening Teams: A Win-Win for Companies

in , , , /by

Are you seeking innovative methods to enhance engagement within your organization? Do you wish to contribute positively to your local communities?

Engaging in team volunteering activities is a great way to build stronger connections among colleagues outside the usual work routine. It’s all about coming together to support local charities and organizations, which not only boosts team spirit but also highlights your company’s commitment to your community. Imagine the fun and fulfillment of working side-by-side to make a positive impact—it’s a win-win for everyone involved!

Three Ways Volunteering Positively Affects Your Company

1. A Cost-Efficient Learning and Development Strategy

Volunteering is a stand-out way to boost your company’s presence in the community while giving your team a chance to grow their soft skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and time-management. Plus, when employees get involved in volunteering activities that align with their learning and development goals, it’s another win-win! Not only do they develop professionally, but they also gain valuable personal experiences—all without breaking the bank. (Fellowes, n.d.)

According to Forbes, organizations that sponsor employee volunteering programs are simultaneously making the world a better place, improving employee’s holistic life, and supporting a healthier and more productive work environment (Staglin, 2022).

So why not make volunteering a part of your team’s growth journey?

2. Enhance Company Recognition and Employee Engagement

We’ve talked about how volunteering impacts team development, but let’s not forget about employee engagement. A study by United Healthcare found that employees who join in on company volunteer events feel closer to their employer and colleagues. (UnitedHealth Group, 2017)

When employees feel engaged with their organization, they are 87% less likely to resign compared to those who feel disconnected, according to a study by PwC. This means that fostering a culture of volunteering can help retain talent and create a loyal workforce. (Staglin, 2022).

3. Effective Recruitment Strategy

When your employees volunteer, they become ambassadors for your brand. This visibility can make your company more recognizable and attract positive attention.

But it doesn’t just stop there.

Imagine attracting candidates who are not only qualified but also share your company’s values. Participating in local community volunteering opportunities can do just that. Potential candidates who see your company actively contributing to the community may feel a stronger connection to your brand. They might share an interest in the supported causes or simply appreciate your company’s dedication to making a difference (Staglin, 2022).

A 2024 Deloitte Report highlights that nearly 90% of Millennials and Gen Zs believe that having a job with a sense of purpose is crucial for their overall job satisfaction and well-being (Deloitte, 2024). As of August 2024, Millennials dominate the U.S. workforce, making up 35%, while Gen Z workers are on the rise, currently comprising 18% (U.S. Department of Labor, 2024).

What does Wejungo do?

Each quarter, we come together as a team to participate in a volunteer event to enhance team engagement. We have solicited feedback from our Wejungo team to hear how their experiences volunteering has resonated with them.

“Volunteering together as a team is always a fun opportunity to step outside our usual roles and give back to the community. It brings a new level of camaraderie to our team, we learn new things about each other and that strengthens our bond!” – Lindsay Coffey, Senior Talent Strategy Consultant at Wejungo

“Working remotely, I really look forward to our volunteering opportunities where I can connect with my team members face-to-face. It’s so rewarding to bond with each other while doing good for society. We get to know each other better, learn from one another, and share our passions for community work. Plus, it’s a great chance to step away from our screens and pool our skills to make a real difference in people’s lives.” – Grace Boyle, Talent Strategy Coordinator.

How To Properly Volunteer in a Way That Benefits Your Team.

1. Gather Employee Feedback

Gathering input from your team on community service preferences is a great starting point for planning volunteering events. When employees feel passionate about the cause, they are much more likely to volunteer enthusiastically.

  • Send out a company-wide survey to gather volunteering ideas or charities of interest from employees before planning an activity.
  • Don’t forget to also conduct post-volunteering surveys to hear feedback from your team after the events.

Hearing first-hand thoughts from employees is a strong strategy to measure interest levels and event feedback for future planning.

2. Share Volunteering Stories and Their Impact

The heart of sharing corporate volunteerism efforts can be easily expressed through storytelling. Highlighting the successes that arise from your company’s cultural initiatives can truly make an impact.

  • Communicate the stories and impact of your volunteer efforts to your employees through internal newsletters, monthly updates, company website highlights, or photos shared at company-wide meetings. This not only celebrates the achievements but also underscores the significance of team involvement.
  • Illustrate how team member participation has positively influenced the company, the community, and internal teams. By showcasing these successes, you can foster a sense of pride and commitment among your employees.

So, now what?

Incorporating volunteering into your company’s culture is a win-win strategy. Not only does volunteering strengthen your company’s internal bonds but also amplifies its positive impact within the community. It enhances your brand’s visibility, boosts employee engagement, reduces turnover, and attracts like-minded talent.

So, why wait? Start exploring local community volunteering opportunities today and watch your company thrive!

This blog was written by Grace Boyle, Talent Strategy Coordinator at Wejungo

References

Deloitte. (2024, May 15). Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey finds these generations stay true to their values as they navigate a rapidly changing world. Deloitte.com. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/deloitte-2024-gen-z-and-millennial-survey.html

Fellowes, M.-L. (n.d.). 10 Reasons Why Volunteering is good for Business | Thrive. Thrive Social Value. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.thrive-platform.com/10-reasons-why-volunteering-is-good-for-your-business/

Staglin, G. (2022, Nov 1). Employer Sponsored Volunteerism: Doing Good For Business, Mental Health, and The World. Forbes. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/onemind/2022/11/01/employer-sponsored-volunteerism-doing-good-for-business-mental-health-and-the-world/

UnitedHealth Group. (2017, September 14). UnitedHealthcare Study Finds Americans Who Volunteer Feel Healthier and Happier. UnitedHealth Group. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2017/0914studydoinggoodisgoodforyou.html

U.S. Department of Labor. (2024, August). trendlines_august_2024. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/opder/DASP/Trendlines/posts/2024_08/Trendlines_August_2024.html

You might also like
Workplace persona and at home persona playing tug of warIs Work Life Balance a Reality in Today’s Workforce?
employee engagement ideas written on a small chalkboard on a table next to coffeeWhy Employee Engagement Matters and Employee Satisfaction Might Not
Employees sitting around a desk having a conversation3 Things that Drive Bottom-line Results and Employee Engagement
Colleagues engaging with each other in the officeTop 21 Proven Ways to Engage Employees
Closeup businesswoman hands holding white card sign with what is your talent?Dear Employers: Here’s Why You Can’t Hire Top Talent.
Graphic of a shark facing a group of goldfish forming the shape of a shark underwaterStay Connected: How Everyday Leaders Engage People
Person holding up a chalkboard saying 'Our name is the Millenials'4 Ways to Make Your Company More Millennial Friendly
Yellow sticky note tacked on a cork board with 'New Mindset > New Results' written on itIt’s Time to Redefine the Rules of Employee Engagement