In advance of Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28, survey data from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, the nation’s leading advocate for corporate social impact professionals, finds that employees participating in volunteer activities in the workplace increased in 2023, with companies offering a greater variety of options and time off for volunteering. Furthermore, in-person and virtual volunteering options have become standard in corporate volunteerism programs as remote work continues to be prevalent.
Key findings from ACCP’s 2023 CSR Insights Report can be found below.
- Nearly two-thirds (61%) of survey respondents report that participation in employee volunteer activities increased in 2023, a welcome sign compared to the decline in recent years primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To increase participation rates, companies are offering a greater variety of volunteer options. Survey respondents noted increased opportunities for group volunteering (59%) and more focus on in-person volunteering opportunities (48%) while also adding more options for individual volunteering (35%).
- A quarter (25%) of survey respondents experienced an increase in their employee engagement budgets in 2023.
“Our survey data shows today’s workplace is a major source for fulfilling Giving Tuesday’s mission to ‘pursue radical generosity,’” says Carolyn Berkowitz, president and CEO of ACCP. “Employee giving and volunteerism programs increase engagement and tangibly align corporate values with those of employees. In today’s highly competitive talent market, employee volunteerism and giving are essential strategies for recruiting, engaging, and retaining staff. A recent IBM study showed that 70% of job seekers are more likely to apply for and accept an offer from socially responsible companies.”
ACCP’s survey data is compiled from the organization’s fourth annual CSR Insights Survey of 149 companies representing more than $1 billion in community investments conducted throughout April 2023, which found “participation in employee volunteerism is increasing and continues to adapt to the changing workplace.”
Additional data comes from ACCP’s 2023 Making the Case for Corporate Social Impact, which helps corporate citizenship professionals build a compelling, data-driven business case for the value of corporate responsibility initiatives.
In a recent Forbes column titled “Following the Data: Why Companies Should Prioritize ESG and Tips for Success,” Berkowitz pushes back against anti-ESG groups and individuals in the vocal minority peddling false and misleading information attacking corporations for enacting business policies that engage employees, enhance bottom-lines, help grow our economy, and strengthen communities.
