volunteering - Kestrel HR

Volunteers’ Week is a time to recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers across the UK. But it’s also a powerful opportunity for employers to reflect on the role volunteering can play in the workplace. Supporting employee volunteering isn’t just good for society—it’s also good for business.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of volunteering for employees, as well as the advantages for employers. Learn how to get involved during Volunteers’ Week, and also discover why creating a culture of community engagement and social impact can boost your brand, your people, and your bottom line.

The Benefits of Volunteering for Employees:

A Stronger Sense of Purpose

Volunteering connects people to causes they care about, helping them find meaning beyond their day-to-day roles. This sense of purpose can lead to greater motivation as well as fulfilment at work.

New Skills and Experiences

Volunteering offers hands-on opportunities from project management to public speaking. It helps develop transferable skills in real-world settings. These skills are especially valuable for early-career professionals.

Improved Mental Wellbeing

Studies show that volunteering can reduce stress, combat loneliness, and improve overall mental health. As a result, it’s a great way to recharge and build resilience.

Broader Networks and Perspectives

Volunteering introduces employees to new people, communities, and ways of thinking—broadening their horizons and fostering empathy and inclusion.

Five hands of diverse individuals form a heart shape over a wooden table, symbolising unity and collaboration, created by
employee volunteering The tone is warm and inclusive.

The Business Benefits of Employee Volunteering

When employees thrive, so does your business. Here’s how supporting volunteering benefits employers:

Boosts Employee Engagement and Retention

Employees who volunteer through work report higher levels of job satisfaction and also loyalty. Volunteering fosters a sense of pride and connection to the company’s values.

Develops Leadership and Teamwork

Volunteering helps employees build soft skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership—skills that directly benefit your teams and projects.

Enhances Employer Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility

A strong volunteering programme strengthens your corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile and helps attract purpose-driven talent.

Builds Community Connections

Supporting local causes helps your business become a trusted and valued part of the community. It opens doors to partnerships and positive publicity.

Adults stand outdoors on a cloudy day, smiling and holding cardboard signs with the word "Volunteer," conveying a sense of community and teamwork created with employee volunteering

How Employers Can Get Involved in Volunteers’ Week

Promote volunteering opportunities internally and encourage staff to take part.
Offer paid volunteer days to make it easier for employees to contribute.
Partner with local charities or community groups to create meaningful experiences.
Celebrate your volunteers—share their stories on your website and social media.

Make Volunteering Part of Your Culture

Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to launch or refresh your employee volunteering strategy. Whether it’s a one-off team day or a long-term partnership, your support can make a lasting impact.

By investing in volunteering, you’re not just supporting communities—you’re building a stronger, more connected, and more motivated workforce.

If you’d like to find out more about corporate volunteering, contact us for an initial chat.

Resources

https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/our-work/employee-volunteering/

https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/partner-us

Volunteering offers a multitude of benefits, both for the individuals giving their time and effort and for the communities and causes they serve. Here are some of the key advantages:

Sense of Purpose: Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment and gives individuals the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others or in their community.
Skill Development: Volunteers often acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Whether it’s leadership, communication, problem-solving, or teamwork, the diverse experiences gained through volunteering can be valuable in personal and professional growth.
Expanding Networks: Volunteering connects people with shared interests and values, fostering new friendships and expanding professional networks.
Improved Physical Health and Wellbeing: Research suggests that volunteering can positively impact mental and emotional wellbeing. It can reduce stress, combat depression, and provide a sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Building Empathy and Understanding: Exposure to different people and situations through volunteering can increase empathy and understanding of different perspectives and challenges faced by others.
Community Impact: Volunteering has a direct and positive impact on communities. It brings people together, transcending differences to work towards a common goal—improving the lives of others.
Personal Growth: Volunteering often leads to personal growth by challenging individuals to step out of their comfort zones, learn from experiences, and develop a broader worldview.
Feeling Connected: Volunteering creates a sense of belonging and connection to a community or cause, instilling a feeling of pride in contributing to the greater good.
Inspiration for Others: By leading by example, volunteers can inspire others to get involved and create a ripple effect of positive change in society.

As revealed, volunteering can enhance CV’s when you’re looking for a new role, and build confidence if you’re looking to return to the workplace.

Encouraging employees to volunteer also brings many benefits to businesses. It boosts morale and engagement, enhances the company’s image, and helps employees develop skills while strengthening teamwork.

Volunteering goes beyond charity—it sparks personal growth, uplifts communities, and drives positive change. Each act of giving back brings us closer to a brighter, more connected world.

If you’d like to chat about the benefits of volunteering, contact us today.