How Volunteering & Community Service Benefit Your Business
It’s National Volunteer Week.
When business leaders talk about strategy, we usually focus on revenue, innovation, or performance metrics. Rarely do we mention generosity. But here’s the truth: Volunteering and community service are some of the most underrated tools for building stronger teams, earning trust, and shaping a company culture that actually retains great people.
At a personal level, I’ve found volunteering to be one of the most meaningful parts of my leadership journey. Whether it’s leading a troop of Scouts on a backpacking adventure, mentoring with Robotics teams, or serving on community boards, these experiences have shaped how I lead. Volunteering is also embedded in our culture at The Persimmon Group. Our team regularly participates in organized community service events for local organizations such as food banks and youth and family services initiatives. Our employees are also allowed paid time off that is specifically dedicated to volunteering for individual causes that are important to them.
Volunteering is a Strategic Priority for Today’s Top Leaders
Leaders should think of volunteering as a top-down business strategy. A recent report from Galaxy Digital found that 65% of multibillion-dollar companies affiliated with the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose now offer paid time off for employees to volunteer.
This trend reflects a growing recognition among senior leaders that volunteering is more than a personal or company value. It’s a smart business practice.
I believe deeply that we as leaders should give back to our communities. My volunteer time has been spent with Growing Together (top left), FIRST Robotics (top right), and the Boy Scouts (bottom right).The Persimmon Group team has volunteered at Circle of Care in Tulsa, OK (bottom left).
Four Ways Volunteering Strengthens Your Business
1. It Builds Stronger Teams
Volunteering projects unite employees around a shared goal that’s bigger than their day-to-day tasks. This breaks down silos, builds trust, and strengthens interpersonal relationships. It also reveals hidden leadership skills and inspires collaboration in new ways.
2. It Attracts and Retains Talent
Today’s workforce—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are values-driven. They want their work to have purpose. In fact, a Deloitte study found that employees who frequently volunteer are more engaged, more loyal, and more satisfied at work. Offering community service opportunities helps your organization stand out as a place where people feel proud to work.
3. It Connects You to the Community
Volunteering helps your business show up as a real community partner, not just a building with a logo. Supporting schools, shelters, parks, and local nonprofits roots your organization in the places you serve and opens up relationships you might not otherwise have.
4. It Reflects and Reinforces Leadership
If you want a culture of service, it starts at the top. When leaders get involved personally, they model the behaviors and values they want their teams to embrace. That kind of leadership builds credibility, and it spreads.
A Culture of Service is a Culture of Strength
The bottom line is that volunteering is not an extra. It’s an essential. When organizations give their time and talent to serve others, they reap incredible returns: Stronger teams, more connected communities, and a deeper sense of purpose.
If you haven’t yet woven community service into the fabric of your organization, now is the time to start.
Build a Better Workplace Culture
If you’re looking to build a stronger, more purpose-driven workplace culture—one where every generation feels connected, engaged, and inspired—I’d love to help. My keynote and workshop, “Leading Across Generations: Creating a Collaborative, Future-Ready Workforce,” dives deep into practical strategies for fostering collaboration, purpose, and belonging across all age groups. Whether you’re just beginning your culture journey or looking to take it to the next level, let’s work together to create a workplace where people thrive. Contact me to learn more.
