New Data Shows Employee Volunteerism Continuing to Rise in 2025, Rebounding After COVID-19 Pandemic Low
Survey of 135 Major Companies Finds 61% Reporting Increased Employee Participation in Workplace Volunteerism—Marking Third Year of Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 2nd, the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) —the nation’s leading advocate for corporate social impact professionals—released new findings from its 2025 CSR Insights Survey showing that the rate of employees participating in workplace volunteerism efforts continues to grow. ACCP’s 2025 CSR Insights Survey found that 61% of CSR professionals reported increased employee participation in workplace volunteer programs, marking the third consecutive year of growth since historic lows during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our CSR Insights survey spotlights a powerful movement—volunteerism is thriving in America’s workplaces and workers continue to embrace giving back to their communities,” said Andrea Wood, President and CEO of ACCP. “For the third year in a row, employee participation in corporate volunteer programs continues to increase. Even in uncertain times, it inspires connection, strengthens culture, and fuels retention. Every year, these programs contribute millions of service hours that uplift communities worldwide—and empower employees who want to work for companies that lead with purpose.”
This year’s survey also notes that employee engagement budgets represented the sharpest budget increase in 2025, not surprising given the importance of employee engagement in today’s workplace. Employee volunteerism and giving have become cornerstone ways for companies to recruit and retain the best talent. A recent IBM study showed that 70% of job seekers are more likely to apply for and accept an offer from socially responsible companies.
Key volunteerism and giving related data points from the 2025 CSR Insights Report include:
- 61% of CSR professionals report increased employee volunteerism in 2025 – the third straight year companies have marked an increase in employee volunteerism.
- Fewer respondents saw more emphasis on in-person volunteering over the previous year: 52% of companies emphasized it in 2025, down from 59% last year.
- New volunteer-related incentives dropped 9 percent, with only 24% offering new or additional incentives in 2025 compared to 33% in 2024.
- Individual volunteer opportunities are on the rise, jumping from 26% to 37%, as companies adapt to more flexible, personalized engagement options.
While recent trends show a slowdown in hiring and an uptick in layoffs across multiple sectors, companies remain laser-focused on how to attract, retain, and reenergize top talent. As businesses navigate shifting labor dynamics, corporate volunteer programs have emerged as a strategic lever—not only for retention and culture-building but also for helping employees cope with stress, disconnection, and fatigue.
A growing number of corporate executives are recognizing the rise of “quiet cracking”— a term describing employees who are stretched thin, disengaged, or emotionally exhausted. Encouraging participation in volunteer and community engagement programs has become a meaningful way to counteract these pressures. Volunteerism fosters purpose, boosts morale, and builds connection—key drivers of productivity and overall employee well-being.
“Workplace volunteerism doesn’t just strengthen communities—it strengthens companies. As younger employees increasingly seek to work at purpose-driven organizations, and as companies prepare for the workforce of the future, volunteerism is a powerful strategy. Forward-thinking executives are leveraging these workplace volunteerism programs to boost engagement, attract and retain talent, and drive long-term business value,” Wood concluded.
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The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact.
CONTACT: Kristofer Eisenla | LUNA+EISENLA
kristofer@lunaeisenla.com | 202-670-5747
CONTACT: Dana Frazeur | Director, Marketing & Communications
Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals
dana@accp.org | 854-529-1511