How Corporate Volunteering Supercharges Employee Engagement

Posted by Jake Mandel on Apr, 30, 2025

Do Good, Feel Great

Giving back feels good. But did you know it also builds better teams? More and more companies are discovering that weaving charitable activities into their culture isn’t just good PR. It’s a smart move for morale, collaboration, and retention. In fact, corporate volunteering might just be the secret sauce to boosting employee engagement.

At Teambonders, we design charity team building events that combine purpose with play, like Bonding for Charity. Picture your team packing care kits, building bikes, or even assembling teddy bears to donate. These events are tactile, impactful, and tailor-made to bring people together in meaningful ways.

But let’s dig into the research to show why corporate volunteering works, and how you can make it a lasting part of your team culture.


What the Data Says: Volunteering Boosts Engagement

If you’ve seen your team light up while working together for a cause, you’ve already witnessed the impact. The numbers tell the same story:

  • Employees who take part in workplace volunteering are 52% less likely to leave the company, according to research from Benevity.

  • A Deloitte study found that 89% of employees believe companies that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall work environment.

  • Team members who volunteer together report a stronger sense of belonging, with group volunteering linked to higher trust and social bonds.

Volunteering creates the rare combination of personal satisfaction, skill-building, and social connection—all at once.


Why Giving Back Works for Teams

When your team participates in a purpose-driven event like Pack a Sack, they’re not just checking a CSR box. They’re activating:

  • Collaborative problem-solving in a meaningful context

  • Cross-departmental connection that breaks down silos

  • Emotional intelligence and empathy, which are critical leadership skills

  • A shared sense of purpose that strengthens culture and belonging

These events engage both the mind and body, creating immersive experiences your team won’t forget.


Real Benefits, Real Fast

Let’s bring this to life. Imagine your team is in the middle of our Bonding for Charity – Teddy Bear Building experience. They’re racing to complete mini challenges, earning Bonder Bucks to buy costumes and accessories for their bears. Each bear will be donated to a local children’s hospital.

Fast forward to the office. That same team is collaborating better, tackling projects with new energy, and supporting each other more than ever. The emotional connection they built during the event stays with them.

That’s the power of experiential CSR team building.


FAQ

How does corporate volunteering improve employee engagement?
It helps employees feel more connected to their team and company, increases job satisfaction, and supports a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering together also builds trust and encourages collaboration.

What are some fun and impactful charity team building ideas?
Try Teambonders events like Bicycle Building, Teddy Bear Building, Pack a Sack, or Wheelchair Assembly. These programs combine teamwork with giving back in a hands-on, rewarding way.

What’s the best way to plan a volunteer-focused team event?
Start by choosing a cause that resonates with your team. Then partner with a professional facilitator like Teambonders who can handle logistics, guide the experience, and help you measure the impact.


Quick Tips for HR and Culture Leaders

If you're thinking about making volunteering part of your team building strategy, here are a few tips:

  • Survey your team about causes they care about to increase buy-in

  • Schedule volunteer activities regularly to keep engagement high

  • Align your events with HR metrics like morale, retention, or collaboration

  • Share impact stories and photos afterward to boost visibility and pride

These events can also align with DEI initiatives or leadership development goals, making them a win across departments.


Ready to Give Back and Build Up Your Team?

Teambonders offers custom-designed CSR experiences for companies of all sizes. Whether you want an in-person event or a virtual give-back opportunity, we’ll help you create something unforgettable and deeply rewarding.

👉 Explore our Charity & CSR Events
👉 Get a Custom Proposal for Your Team Event

Your team wants to make a difference. Let’s help them grow stronger while they do it.

 

Tags: Events