Why Employees Want Skills-Based Volunteering—Especially Now

2025 is a complex year. CSR leaders are under pressure to demonstrate impact, reduce risk, and manage programs that are both purpose-driven and politically neutral. At the same time, there's a growing awareness that employees are craving more than just a paycheck—they're looking for meaning. The world is uncertain, but one thing remains true: people want to feel useful. They want to grow. And they want to contribute.

And this includes executives. A survey of executives found that 76% plan to increase spending on CSR programming, though the branding and positioning is likely to be malleable to avoid political and media backlash.

This is where skills-based volunteering (SBV) enters the picture. It's not a buzzword, and it's not just a trend—it's an opportunity. For companies navigating tight budgets, risk-averse leadership, and increased employee disengagement, skills-based volunteering offers a way forward that benefits people, business, and society.

Purpose Isn’t a Trend—It’s an Expectation

Employees are no longer satisfied with symbolic volunteering opportunities or performative purpose statements. According to Deloitte's 2025 workforce sentiment report, 95% of employees said it's important that their employer makes a positive impact in the community. And more than 87% say company-sponsored volunteer programs influence their decision to stay. Anecdotally, in the programs we run at MovingWorlds, we have seen up to a 2X increase in demand for programs this year.

What's more, today’s professionals—especially younger generations—are seeking ways to contribute their skills, not just their time. That could mean helping a nonprofit with digital strategy, mentoring an entrepreneur on financial planning, or guiding an impact startup through a rebrand. Employees are eager to apply their expertise to causes they care about—and they're telling their employers they expect those opportunities to exist.

The Win-Win of Skills-Based Volunteering

Skills-based volunteering is exactly what it sounds like: employees donate their professional skills to organizations that need them. It's purpose in action—and it checks multiple boxes for business, too.

• Retention: Data shows that employees who engage in purpose programs are 52% less likely to leave. A longitudinal study at one firm showed a 36% decrease in attrition.

• Development: 90% of companies surveyed by Deloitte say SBV improves employee leadership and soft skills.

• Engagement: Participating in skills-based projects boosts morale, cross-team collaboration, and overall fulfillment - 91% of companies have realized this benefit.

Major companies are already leading the way. Programs like SAP’s Acceleration Collective show how providing on-demand as well as time-based programs appeal to the needs of a global employee base, create lasting impact for social innovators, and contribute positively to the leadership and career development of employees. Even the CEO participated!

It’s Not Just Good for Business—It’s Good for the World

Skills-based volunteering isn’t just about employee satisfaction or corporate brand value—it drives real, lasting change for the organizations receiving support. According to the Taproot Foundation, over 80% of social sector organizations report needing pro bono help with strategy, tech, and operations, but fewer than 30% are able to access it.

That gap matters. Many nonprofits, social enterprises, and impact startups are doing transformative work, but they’re held back by a lack of capacity in areas like finance, HR, digital marketing, and data management. Skills-based volunteers fill these gaps in high-leverage ways. Common Impact reports that 87% of partner organizations said SBV projects improved their ability to serve their communities, and 68% reported greater operational efficiency as a result.

When companies connect employees with these organizations through well-designed SBV programs, everyone wins: communities get stronger, organizations get smarter, and employees become more connected to their company’s purpose.

What’s Holding Leaders Back?

We understand the hesitation. Proposing anything new in a risk-averse climate can feel daunting. CSR leaders are navigating legal reviews, brand sensitivities, and limited headcount. But the irony is this: the programs designed to play it safe often fail to deliver real value.

Skills-based volunteering isn’t risky—it’s relevant. It’s a low-cost, high-impact solution that speaks to business goals, employee needs, and social progress. And it’s being embraced by companies that are charting bold paths forward, even in uncertain times.

Leading with Purpose, Backed by Strategy

If you're thinking about how to reignite purpose in your CSR strategy—for your employees, for your leadership team, and for your community partners—skills-based volunteering might just be your smartest next move.

And if you’d like help building and/or scaling a program that works at your global company, MovingWorlds can help.

Let’s move forward—together, with purpose.