In today’s workplace, employee happiness is a must-have, and corporate social responsibility is becoming one of the strongest ways to build it. We sat down with Wendy Gilbert, a seasoned People and HR expert, to discuss how giving back strengthens workplace culture. Her insights align with what Percent Pledge believes—connecting employees to meaningful causes boosts engagement, improves retention, and helps attract top talent. Here, Wendy shares why these initiatives are so critical and how they benefit companies in powerful, lasting ways.
Why corporate social responsibility is essential for your business
For companies today, giving back isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for building a strong, resilient business. Wendy Gilbert explains that today’s workforce expects companies to contribute positively to the community, especially younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z.
Top talent wants to work somewhere that cares about social responsibility and the community. They want to be part of that difference.
This shift isn’t just about adding programs; it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel that their values align with the company’s mission. Studies show that up to 76% of younger employees want to see companies act on social issues, and offering programs for employee giving and volunteering fulfills that expectation. Here are some of the key ways that social responsibility strengthens employee loyalty, engagement, and happiness.
Decreases turnover
Turnover is expensive, disruptive, and damaging to morale. Reducing it starts with building employee happiness. “If you can retain people, it shows that your employees are happy at work. Happiness isn’t just about perks or pay. It’s about having a purpose and feeling part of something bigger,” Gilbert explains.
Turnover often snowballs, with one or two resignations leading to more. Gilbert shared how, at a previous job, her own resignation was the first of seven within weeks. “People notice when others leave, and it can send a negative message,” she adds. Social responsibility initiatives like company-wide volunteer events or giving programs can help prevent this by giving employees a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the company, even during challenging times.
Increases top talent attraction
To attract top talent, it’s crucial for companies to show their commitment to social impact. Wendy says, “We hear, ‘How does your company give back?’ all the time. It’s often a deciding factor for candidates.”
Younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, want to work for companies that align with their values. Research by Deloitte shows that over 70% of younger workers consider a company’s social responsibility in their job search. Including your giving programs in recruitment messaging, and sharing stories of community impact, signals that your company cares about more than just profits. This can be the deciding factor in securing the best talent in a competitive market.
Improves employee happiness
Meaningful shared experiences, like volunteering, help employees connect with each other and feel a greater sense of purpose. “Some of my best team outings have been around volunteering,” says Gilbert. “It brings people together in a way that’s deeper and more meaningful than a happy hour.”
When employees feel they’re making a positive difference, it strengthens employee morale and increases job satisfaction. Research supports this idea—employees who participate in corporate social responsibility activities report higher levels of happiness and commitment to their work. By fostering opportunities for employees to give back, companies can create a happier and more united workforce.
Prevents and mitigates company crises
Companies that value their employees’ perspectives build a culture that can endure even the toughest challenges. “If leadership dictates all the giving, you lose engagement,” says Gilbert. “People want to feel involved in decisions that matter to them.”
A social responsibility program that doesn’t reflect employee interests can feel out of touch. By involving employees in decisions about where and how to give back, companies can create authentic programs that feel real and connected to their workforce. This helps avoid reputational risks and builds trust, so employees are more likely to stick with the company during difficult times.
Characteristics of an effective social responsibility program
Building an impactful social responsibility program requires more than just good intentions—it’s about connecting with employees in ways that feel meaningful and engaging. Wendy Gilbert shares her insights on what makes these programs truly effective.
Take a grassroots approach.
Gilbert stresses that employees are more motivated when they can support causes they personally care about. “It’s not just about the company’s values; it’s about how employees can give back in ways that matter to them,” she says. Empowering employees to support their personal causes makes them feel heard and valued, boosting overall employee engagement.
Survey employees to get real data.
For social responsibility programs to succeed, companies need to understand what matters to their employees. Gilbert explains, “If my company only gave to cats, it would alienate all the dog people.” Tools like Percent Pledge’s Passion Assessment help companies gather data on employee interests, ensuring the program reflects both the company’s values and what employees truly care about. This alignment drives stronger employee engagement and a sense of shared purpose.
Be authentic.
Employees want to feel a part of the impact, not just see big donations made on the company’s behalf. “We’re past the days of companies spending millions to market a donation. People want to know, ‘How can I be involved?’” says Gilbert. Creating hands-on opportunities for giving back builds a more meaningful connection to the company’s mission and values.
Add to your perks and benefits.
Social responsibility can be a valuable addition to your benefits package. “We include our giving program and paid volunteer time off in our list of benefits—it’s something employees and candidates value,” Gilbert notes. When social responsibility is part of the benefits, it sends a message that giving back is core to the company culture. This not only attracts top talent but also improves employee satisfaction for those already on the team.
Wendy Gilbert’s insights highlight how essential social responsibility is for creating employee happiness and engagement. Companies that bring these programs into their workplace see stronger retention, closer teams, and a happier workforce overall. Percent Pledge makes it easy for companies to engage employees in giving back through tools that align with their values. Request a demo to see how you can boost employee happiness with a purpose-driven workplace.
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