Team-building volunteer activities are rapidly gaining popularity among organizations striving to enhance employee engagement, build stronger teams, and make a positive impact on their communities. These activities combine the benefits of traditional team-building exercises with volunteer opportunities, resulting in a win-win for companies and employees alike. In this blog post, we explore the transformative potential of these volunteer efforts and provide actionable insights on how to implement them effectively.
Why Team-Building Volunteer Activities Matter
Employee engagement is a critical factor for organizational success. According to a Gallup report on employee engagement, companies with an engaged workforce versus a disengaged workforce have:
• 10% higher customer ratings
• 17% higher productivity
• 20% higher sales
• 21% higher profitability
Fostering engagement requires more than just competitive salaries and perks; it necessitates meaningful experiences that connect employees to their company’s values and mission.
Team-building volunteer activities excel in this regard by addressing several key areas of employee satisfaction:
Sense of Purpose: Employees who participate in volunteer activities may feel more connected to their communities and their companies.
Stronger Relationships: Collaborative volunteer projects promote team bonding, fostering better communication and trust.
Skill Development: These activities provide opportunities for employees to develop leadership and problem-solving skills in new contexts.
Increased Loyalty: MATTER, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, found that 98% of employees felt more loyal to their companies when offered opportunities to volunteer.
Successful Examples of Team-Building Volunteer Activities
To illustrate the impact of these initiatives, let’s look at Discover Financial Services’ partnership with MATTER. Over the past several years, Discover hosted MATTERbox packing events, engaging thousands of employees in meaningful corporate volunteering activities. MATTER developed a case study to share the results.
Discover’s MATTERbox Experience
MATTERbox packing events involve assembling beneficial food kits for local communities in need. Discover’s first event in 2022 saw 1,000 employees participate remotely, using MATTERbox kits sent to their homes. Employees connected virtually, fostering a sense of camaraderie despite physical distance. The program’s success with corporate volunteer activities led to a follow-up event in 2023, which combined in-person and virtual participation across 40 states. Participation doubled to 2,002 employees, an increase of 100%.
Discover Employee Feedback Highlights:
Feedback received by MATTER through a survey of volunteers who participated in the Discover events found:
- 100% agreed that “I feel that my company, by participating in volunteer events like this one, makes the community stronger.”
- 99% agreed that “I am proud to work for a company that allows me to volunteer at events like this during working hours.
- 99% agreed that “I am more satisfied working at my company because they offer volunteer opportunities like today’s event.”
- 98% agreed that “I feel more loyal to my company because they offer volunteer opportunities like today’s event.”
How to Plan Effective Team-Building Volunteer Activities
Implementing impactful corporate volunteer activities requires careful planning and execution. Here are a few key steps to ensure success:
1. Align with Company Values
Select activities that resonate with your organization’s mission and culture. For example, a company focused on food insecurity might organize packing beneficial snack packs for kids through programs like the MATTERbox initiative, volunteer at local food banks, or conduct a food drive.
2. Offer Flexibility
Not all employees have the same schedules or preferences. Providing options for remote employees, in-person staff, or hybrid participants ensures maximum inclusivity and engagement. There are absolutely corporate volunteer opportunities that will work no matter what is needed.
3. Set Clear Goals
Define the objectives of your volunteer program. Are you aiming to strengthen team bonds, support specific community needs, or enhance leadership skills? Clear goals will guide your planning process. These types of volunteer experiences work at all levels in an organization!
4. Partner with Trusted Nonprofit Organizations
Collaborate with nonprofits experienced in facilitating volunteer events. MATTER’s MATTERbox program, for instance, simplifies logistics and maximizes impact by providing ready-to-use kits and a structured framework.
5. Measure Impact
Gather feedback from participants and assess the program’s outcomes. Surveys can reveal valuable insights, such as how employees felt about the activity and whether it enhanced their sense of purpose and connection to the company.
Benefits for Companies and Communities
The advantages of team-building volunteer activities extend beyond employee engagement. These initiatives also:
- Enhance Brand Image: Companies known for their commitment to social responsibility attract top talent and earn customer loyalty.
- Promote Networking: Employees have the opportunity to interact with colleagues from different departments or regions, strengthening internal networks.
- Support Local Communities: By addressing real needs, these activities create tangible benefits for the communities where companies operate. You want your event to have a meaningful impact not only for your employees but also for the recipient of your corporate volunteer program’s efforts.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While the benefits are clear, implementing volunteer activities can pose challenges:
- Limited Resources: Smaller organizations may struggle with time or budget constraints. Solution: Look for the right size and budget for your volunteering activities.
- Low Participation: Employees may hesitate to participate due to workload concerns. Solution: Emphasize the personal and professional benefits of involvement and provide flexible options.
- Logistical Complexity: Coordinating large-scale events can be daunting. Solution: Use experienced partners to streamline planning and execution, as well as provide scalable solutions.
- Limited Awareness: Employees might not know about available corporate volunteering opportunities. Solution: Actively promote volunteer events through internal communication channels, such as newsletters and team meetings.
- Unclear Objectives: Without clear goals, volunteer activities may lack focus and impact. Solution: Define specific outcomes you want to achieve, such as improving team cohesion or addressing community needs. Also, be sure to talk about the impact for nonprofits as that is often appealing for strengthening your volunteering program.
Call to Action: Empower Your Team Today
Team-building volunteer activities are more than just a trend—they are a proven strategy for enhancing employee engagement, strengthening teams, and making a lasting impact in communities. By offering opportunities to connect employees with meaningful causes, these initiatives inspire loyalty, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.
If you’re ready to transform your workplace culture, start by hosting a MATTERbox packing event. These events provide a turnkey solution for engaging employees in impactful volunteer work, whether in-person or remotely. With ready-to-assemble kits and comprehensive support, MATTER makes it easy for your team to create positive change.
Don’t miss the chance to energize your employees and foster a culture of giving back. Visit MATTER’s Employee Engagement page to learn more, explore options, and start planning your next volunteer initiative today!
