Daniela, who has just turned 21, and Yvonne, 44, pack lunches together for the volunteers at a charity event and inform the participants about the day’s program. This is the first time that the two women have worked so closely together on a stand. Although they work in the same department on a day-to-day basis, Daniela and her colleagues in the team have few other points of contact beyond the bare essentials. And Daniela is reserved in the team, even if her colleagues make an effort to bring her along. But at this event, where over 30 employees are volunteering as part of a corporate volunteering project, Daniela is fully involved. Later, she will tell her friends and other young people at work about these two days, that she is pretty tired, but that she experienced “something with real purpose for once”. She now sees her employer with different eyes. Not fundamentally, but in a pleasing way. She will definitely be back for the next project!

In a time of change and social responsibility, companies have the opportunity to be a positive force in society. Corporate volunteering, the involvement of companies in social projects, not only contributes to the common good, but also offers valuable opportunities for internal corporate culture – especially with regard to the integration of the youngest labor market participants, Generation Z.

Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, enters the labor market with its own ideas and high expectations. For this generation, the meaning of their work, the culture of their employer and the social contribution of their company are key factors when choosing a job. They don’t just want to be part of a team, they want to be part of a movement!

Corporate volunteering programs offer precisely this sense of purpose and opportunity for commitment that young employees are looking for. They allow companies to invest twice: in society and in their employees. But how exactly can corporate volunteering help to better integrate Generation Z employees into teams?

Through joint involvement in social projects, employees from different generations can come together on a personal level. This not only promotes team spirit, but also enables Generation Z to actively live their values in the working environment. Companies that promote corporate volunteering are signaling that they think outside the box and take the needs of their employees and the wider social context seriously.

Volunteering is a great way to develop a variety of human skills – from teamwork and communication to leadership and problem solving. For Generation Z, who are at the beginning of their professional careers, such programs offer an ideal platform to develop and hone these skills in real, often challenging situations.

3. create a sense of belonging
Integrating into a new team can be a challenge, especially for younger employees. Corporate volunteering brings people of all hierarchical levels together, creates unconventional encounters and can thus help to break down barriers and promote a stronger sense of belonging.

Companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate volunteering shape a culture of empathy, respect and social responsibility. This culture reflects the values of Generation Z and helps to integrate them more deeply into the corporate structure.

Finally, corporate volunteering programs are also a powerful employer branding tool for attracting talented young people. A strong presence in social projects significantly improves a company’s image and makes it more attractive to potential young applicants.

Conclusion

Corporate volunteering is a great way to fulfill the values and expectations of Generation Z and integrate these committed young people into companies. By fostering community engagement, developing key skills and strengthening corporate culture, organizations can not only make a positive contribution to society, but also create an inspiring, meaningful and inclusive work environment for all generations.

For HR professionals, CEOs and communications experts, this is a unique opportunity to set the course for the future and create an environment in which Generation Z can develop its full potential. The strategic use of corporate volunteering can thus become the cornerstone of a modern, future-oriented corporate culture that sets standards and revolutionizes the world of work!