By Daniela Ramirez-Ledesma, PBI Intern
Offering a legal pro bono or corporate volunteerism program not only increases access to justice in our communities, it’s also a smart business decision. The business case for legal pro bono and corporate volunteerism more broadly isn’t new, and recent research continues to show that these programs increase employee engagement, provide an advantage in employee recruitment and retention, and help employees develop leadership potential and thrive.
Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO), the global in-house project of Pro Bono Institute, has highlighted the business case for in-house pro bono for over a decade. CPBO’s Guide on The Business Case for In-House Pro Bono, by PBI Founder Esther F. Lardent, noted the significant growth and impact of in-house pro bono programs, stating that they “enhance critical aspects of the operations of companies and their legal departments.” These programs not only attract and retain top legal talent but also bolster employee engagement and “foster a sense of pride and commitment among staff.” Moreover, involvement in pro bono reinforces corporate social responsibility efforts, enhancing a company’s reputation and demonstrating a commitment to societal welfare.
The PBEye examined in 2019 the business case for adapting to the values of the millennial generation by embracing work with meaning. A 2016 study surveying millennials employed at large companies found that 64% of millennials would refuse a job from a company that does not have strong Corporate Social Responsibility practices, 75% would take a pay cut to work for a socially responsible company, and 88% said they would find their jobs more fulfilling if provided opportunities to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues. Recent reports confirm that nearly all Gen Zs (86%) and millennials (89%) say having purpose in their work is important to their job satisfaction.
Several years and a pandemic later, the research confirms:
- Employees are volunteering more and want to volunteer at work. Recent studies highlight a significant uptick in employee
Corporate Volunteerism by
the Numbers- 70% of employees said volunteering boosts enthusiasm more than attending happy hours.
- 79% of employees reported lower stress levels due to volunteerism.
- 73% of managers of pro bono participants found employees had developed leadership skills because of their pro bono experience.
- 74% of people said that when considering a job, they prefer to have the opportunity to do work that is meaningful to them.
- 9 out of 10 people would rather work at a company that has the same values over a job with higher pay.
- 49% of employees said participation in employee volunteer programs made them proud to work for their employer.
- 41% of pro bono participants are more likely to stay at a company due to the pro bono work experience.
- 31% of employees quit their previous jobs due to a lack of meaningful work.
- 92% of participants feel more culturally aware due to their pro bono experience.
interest and engagement in volunteering initiatives at work. For instance, Benevity – a software company that supports corporate giving, volunteering, and grantmaking – reports that the global average volunteering participation rate surged to 9.2%, marking a 57% increase from the previous year’s rate of 5.9%. Similarly, a 2022 survey of 3,000 employees by Percent Pledge – a social impact and employee engagement company – shows that 56% of employees are eager to both donate and volunteer during work hours.
- Workplace culture matters, especially for those newer to and entering the workforce. The significance of workplace culture cannot be overstated, especially as younger generations prioritize values alignment in their career decisions. According to America’s Charities’ Snapshot: What U.S. Employees Think About Workplace Giving, Volunteering, and CSR, 71% of employees emphasize the importance of working in an environment that supports giving and volunteering. Consistent with past research, younger generations often consider whether a company’s values align with their personal values and are more likely to take jobs with aligned values over jobs with higher pay. Deloitte’s Global 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey confirms that nearly 90% of Gen Zs and millennials consider having a sense of purpose vital for job satisfaction. As one participant stated, “Having a sense of purpose at work gives meaning to life and increases motivation and commitment.” They continue to believe that businesses should play a leading role in addressing social issues like inequality and sustainability, with many rejecting empowers or assignments that do not align with their values.
- Corporate volunteerism programs improve employee retention. The impact of corporate volunteerism extends beyond altruism, significantly enhancing both employee retention and satisfaction, as evidenced by recent studies. Benevity’s 2022 Talent Retention Study found that corporate volunteerism increases employee retention by 52%. Taproot – which connects nonprofits to volunteers to facilitate human resources, finance, marketing, and strategy projects – similarly found that 41% of employees are more likely to stay at the company they work for if they can volunteer. A 2024 Deloitte survey similarly found that 87% of employees say workplace volunteer opportunities are crucial in deciding whether to stay with their current employer or pursue a new job. Percent Pledge reported that corporate volunteerism increases corporate loyalty: 82% of employees who volunteer through work feel “more committed to their company.” These findings underscore the critical role of corporate volunteerism in fostering a loyal and engaged workforce committed to long-term organizational success.
- Volunteering makes employees happier. Another positive benefit of corporate volunteerism is its profound impact on employees themselves. Research from the 2020 Journal of Happiness Studies highlights that volunteering not only contributes to physical and mental well-being but also reduces stress and enhances life satisfaction. Moreover, Common Impact, an organization facilitating connections between nonprofits and corporate volunteers, underscores the morale-boosting effects of skills-based volunteering, revealing that volunteers experience 59% higher morale compared to non-volunteers according to a company survey. Deloitte’s 2024 survey revealed that employees find that participation in workplace volunteer opportunities boosts their sense of fulfillment and purpose (56%), strengthens their connection to their community (55%), improves their overall morale and teamwork (52%), and makes them proud to work for their employer (49%). These findings emphasize how corporate volunteerism can create a more fulfilled and motivated workforce, contributing to a positive workplace culture and increased productivity.
- Skills-based volunteerism allows employees to develop their talents. Skills-based volunteering, including legal pro bono programs, allows volunteers to share “their professional expertise to build, enhance, and expand an organization’s ability to serve their community,” according to Taproot. Skills-based volunteering can make a tremendous difference to nonprofit organizations that receive those volunteer services, for example, which then contribute to the social good of the community. Taproot found that “92% of nonprofits report that skilled volunteers are a strong resource to build capacity.”
- Corporate volunteerism is good for business. Studies have shown that the more people volunteer (even if they volunteer on their own time and not company time), the better they perform on work tasks and the more they help others and voice ideas at work. Corporate volunteerism doesn’t just build employee skills, it can make companies more profitable. Common Impact has cited research that “companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable” than companies that lack such engagement.
Volunteer programs are most likely to thrive when they have a clear set of guidelines that encourage and support employee participation. According to Goodera, the existence of a volunteer program policy assists the company in “constructing a positive image in the community through your volunteer activities,” “send[s] a powerful message to potential employees that the company is not solely focused on the bottom line,” which helps in “attracting and retaining the best talent,” and “can boost employee morale and engagement resulting in increased job satisfaction and a sense of purpose and fulfillment.”
Strong volunteer policies often share the company’s values and goals, as well as clearly outline how employees should request and record volunteer time (e.g., volunteer time off), how much time employees can spend on volunteer activities, what types of volunteer activities are eligible under the company’s program, and how employees can report their volunteer time or otherwise measure the impact of their service. Some volunteer programs recognize or award volunteers, like the Zurich Foundation’s “Community Hero Awards,” which match volunteer hours with a donation to an employee’s chosen charitable cause.
When implementing policies for volunteer programs, some potential pitfalls include making volunteering mandatory, failing to prioritize meaning, and seeking a one-size fits all approach to service. Mandatory volunteering can diminish “employees’ intrinsic motivation and satisfaction” with the volunteer opportunity, and that “pressure from management to volunteer” can be “perceived by coworkers as insincere attempts to ingratiate themselves with higher-ups.” By contrast, the existence of permissive volunteer opportunities can help employees feel more engaged,” increasing employee loyalty among volunteers and non-volunteers alike. Prioritizing meaning, giving employees agency in shaping the focus and features of their service, and involving diverse stakeholders can help make the program more successful.
Integrating a corporate volunteerism program not only enhances community access to justice but makes companies stronger, more resilient, and even more profitable. These initiatives not only foster employee engagement, improve recruitment and retention rates, and cultivate leadership potential, they also contribute to a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and fulfilled. For companies looking to enhance their social impact and employee satisfaction, investing in volunteer programs is a strategic imperative for long-term success.
Are you interested in learning more about the business case for in-house pro bono? Reach out to Corporate Pro Bono at cpbo@probonoinst.org.