Employee Volunteering Programs: An Emerging Dimension of Modern Workplaces

Abstract

Globally, companies are considering community and social work as an important part of their business agenda and are framing business objectives and policies that integrate social cause. It is no longer a “nice thing to do” but is becoming critical to spell out business strategy that includes sustainability aspect to maximize business and social benefits. This new thought leadership is no longer confined just to the boardrooms and leadership teams but is being executed through a strong arm of corporate volunteering, i.e., business supporting and encouraging staff involvement directly in the community. In India, specifically the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) statute under the Companies Act 2013 made the companies relook at their philanthropic and community initiatives. This chapter reviews this worldwide trend and the nuances therein specifically in the context of India. It also discusses various aspects of corporate volunteering programs of modern workplaces.