Introduction
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) isn’t just about donating money—it’s also about giving time and skills to create meaningful change. Across Canada, businesses are embracing employee volunteer programs (EVPs) as a core part of their CSR strategies. These programs encourage employees to engage with their communities, whether through hands-on volunteering, pro bono work, or mentorship opportunities.
Employee volunteerism benefits not only the communities served but also the companies and employees involved. This blog explores how Canadian businesses are using EVPs to drive social impact and create a more engaged workforce.
Why Employee Volunteerism Matters
- Strengthens Community Ties – Employees who volunteer help address local challenges, whether it’s supporting food banks, mentoring youth, or participating in environmental clean-ups.
- Boosts Employee Engagement – Workers feel more connected to their companies when they see them making a difference. Studies show that employees in companies with strong CSR programs are more engaged and motivated.
- Enhances Brand Reputation – Businesses known for active community involvement attract socially conscious customers and potential employees.
- Develops Leadership & Teamwork Skills – Volunteering provides employees with opportunities to build leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills outside their usual roles.
How Canadian Companies Are Leading the Way in Employee Volunteerism
1. Paid Volunteer Days
Many Canadian companies offer paid time off for employees to engage in community service. This allows employees to contribute without worrying about work commitments.
- TD Bank provides one paid volunteer day per year for employees to support causes they care about.
- Microsoft Canada gives employees up to five paid days to volunteer with charities of their choice.
By offering paid volunteer leave, companies make it easier for employees to give back while reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility.
2. Skills-Based Volunteering & Pro Bono Work
Rather than just offering manpower, many companies encourage employees to use their professional skills to support nonprofits and underserved communities.
- Deloitte Canada runs a “Pro Bono Program” where employees provide free consulting, legal, or financial services to charities and social enterprises.
- Shopify helps nonprofit organizations optimize their e-commerce platforms by providing expertise in online sales and marketing.
This approach allows professionals to make a deeper impact by leveraging their expertise rather than just their time.
3. Team-Based Corporate Volunteering
Some companies organize group volunteering events to foster teamwork while contributing to a good cause.
- Loblaws hosts annual food drives where teams of employees volunteer at food banks across Canada.
- Bell Canada runs the “Bell Let’s Talk” initiative, where employees participate in mental health awareness campaigns.
These initiatives help employees feel more connected to their workplace and each other while making a tangible difference in their communities.
4. Volunteer Grant Programs
Some companies go a step further by donating money based on employee volunteer hours.
- RBC offers “Dollars for Doers,” where employees who volunteer at least 40 hours per year with a nonprofit can apply for a grant to support that organization.
- Scotiabank’s “Scotiabank Bright Future Program” donates money to charities based on employees’ volunteer work.
This type of incentive encourages long-term engagement and strengthens the impact of volunteer efforts.
How Companies Can Build a Strong Volunteer Program
To create a successful EVP, companies should consider the following:
✔ Make Volunteering Easy: Offer flexible options such as paid volunteer days, virtual volunteering, or weekend opportunities.
✔ Encourage Employee Choice: Let employees pick causes they care about, rather than assigning them to a corporate-selected program.
✔ Recognize & Reward Volunteers: Acknowledge employees who participate actively—whether through internal recognition, awards, or bonus incentives.
✔ Partner with Local Organizations: Build long-term relationships with nonprofits to create sustainable volunteer opportunities.
Conclusion
Employee volunteer programs are a win-win for businesses, employees, and communities. By integrating volunteerism into their CSR strategies, companies strengthen their workforce, improve their brand image, and drive meaningful social impact.
As more Canadian businesses embrace EVPs, they’re proving that success isn’t just measured by profits—but also by the positive change they create in society.
