As the world observes Giving Tuesday, a global initiative encouraging charitable giving, a new survey reveals a positive trend in workplace volunteerism. The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) has reported significant growth in employee participation in volunteer activities within the corporate sector.
The 2024 CSR Insights Survey conducted by ACCP indicates that 77% of corporate respondents experienced an increase in employee volunteer participation this year, marking a notable rise of 16 percentage points from 61% in 2023. This statistic shines a hopeful light in contrast to a recent Generosity Commission report, which documented a decline in individual donations and volunteerism among American households. For instance, the percentage of U.S. households donating to nonprofits fell from 65.4% in 2008 to 49.6% in 2018.
Despite the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, the uptick in corporate volunteerism is encouraging, as noted by ACCP. Carolyn Berkowitz, President and CEO of ACCP, emphasized that employee volunteer programs help align corporate and individual values. It appears that companies fostering robust giving and volunteerism initiatives attract employees who prioritize engagement and job satisfaction.
Berkowitz highlighted findings from an IBM study that support the business benefits of promoting employee volunteerism, noting that 70% of job seekers are more inclined to apply for and accept positions at socially responsible companies. This alignment of corporate ethics and employee desires creates a mutually beneficial situation for both employers and employees.
The ACCP survey also reflects a growing commitment towards corporate social responsibility, with 88% of surveyed companies maintaining or increasing their employee engagement budgets in 2024, up from 71% the previous year. Furthermore, 22% of respondents indicated that employees now have heightened expectations to participate in CSR decision-making, an increase from 18% in 2023.
This rise in corporate employee engagement highlights a promising trend that could pave the way for greater community contributions and an enhanced corporate-social relationship. By continuing to prioritize volunteerism and social responsibility, companies can not only boost employee morale but also help counteract the decline in individual giving across the nation, enhancing societal well-being as a whole.