India Leads the Way in Employee Volunteering: 3 in 10 Indian employees participated

India is leading globally in employee volunteering, with 31% participation, surpassing the 22% global average, as per Goodera's VQ Report 2025. Smaller firms and industries like tech and finance are driving this trend. Volunteering addresses workplace mental health challenges, fosters engagement, and aligns with Gen Z and millennials' values of purpose and growth. Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai excel in mobilizing volunteers for causes like education, environment, and community welfare.

In a remarkable development, 31% of Indian employees participated in volunteering activities over the past year, significantly outpacing the global average of 22%, according to the recently released Goodera VQ Report 2025. This growing trend highlights how employee volunteering has evolved from a charitable endeavor to a strategic tool for fostering social change, enhancing workplace engagement, and building essential skills.

Interestingly, smaller organizations with fewer than 5,000 employees are spearheading this movement, with a notable 44% of their workforce actively involved in volunteering initiatives. Meanwhile, industries like technology and financial services are leading the charge, reporting participation rates of 35% and 31%, respectively. On average, volunteers are dedicating 3.5 hours per activity, underscoring a consistent and meaningful level of engagement.

Driving Forces Behind the Trend

This surge in volunteering can be attributed to various factors, including shifts in workplace demographics, increasing mental health concerns, and the proactive efforts of organizations to facilitate such activities through dedicated platforms, policies, and campaigns.

India boasts one of the youngest workforces globally, with millennials and Gen Z employees making up nearly 75% of the employee base. For this younger generation, work is about more than just earning a paycheck—they crave opportunities that offer personal growth, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose. Volunteering provides a unique avenue for them to develop leadership skills, engage in community-building activities, and align their work with their values.

Moreover, the growing awareness of mental health challenges and workplace isolation is playing a pivotal role in encouraging volunteering. Over half of Indian employees report struggling with excessive workloads and feeling a lack of belonging at work, operating in what they describe as "survival mode." Against this backdrop, volunteering has emerged as a powerful remedy, offering employees a sense of connection, fulfillment, and well-being while enabling them to make a positive impact in society.

A Broader Perspective: More Than Just Charity

"Indian organizations with a predominantly young workforce are redefining volunteering as more than an act of charity," said Abhishek Humbad, founder and CEO of Goodera. "It’s becoming a critical driver of personal development, social progress, and workplace connection."

The report also highlights the role of India's tech-driven cities in mobilizing volunteers. Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, leads with an average of 65 volunteers per event. It is closely followed by Pune (61) and Chennai (60). These hubs, known for their innovative and youthful workforces, are at the forefront of fostering a culture of giving back.

Causes That Matter

Indian employees are rallying around causes that resonate deeply with their values and aspirations. Key focus areas include education, environmental conservation, health and well-being, and community welfare, including elderly care. These priorities reflect a growing desire to address pressing societal challenges while contributing to long-term, sustainable change.

As organizations continue to embrace employee volunteering as a core aspect of their corporate culture, it is clear that this trend is reshaping the way workplaces operate. By aligning business goals with social impact, companies are not only creating a more engaged and purpose-driven workforce but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and empathetic society.

India is setting a global benchmark in leveraging the power of employee volunteering to drive both personal and collective growth. If this momentum continues, the nation’s workforce could very well redefine the role of corporate responsibility in the years to come.