Maximising skills-based volunteering could generate a potential £17bn of value for charities and community groups in the UK according to a study by Pilotlight.

The study, Give Your Culture a Workout, highlights strong demand from the UK workforce for their employers to do more to support skills-based volunteering in the community and outlines the tangible benefits this would bring for the employers themselves.

Pilotlight defines a ‘workout culture’ as one where employers build a stronger, more progressive culture by actively encouraging and supporting employees to use their time and skills to support charities and get involved in their community.

In addition to the desire for employers to do more, 45 per cent of adults would like to use the skills or knowledge they have developed at work to help out charities, good causes or community groups on a voluntary basis.

Ed Mayo, CEO of Pilotlight, said: “Work is changing. Now, the new patterns of work that people want are more porous, with learning, participation and purpose that goes beyond the predictable. In this context, there is a new dynamic emerging of ‘pro bono’ volunteering, in which people can use their skills in a charitable setting. In the post pandemic context, this is good for business.”

According to the new report, the benefits for employers of a strong “workout culture” are: increased employee wellbeing; better staff retention and loyalty; better and stronger links with charities in their local community; a strengthened licence to operate in their sector or industry; increased attraction to potential employees; enhanced profile and reputation with clients, potential clients and other key stakeholders; and evidence of impact and commitment to increasing their sustainability, advancing their diversity, equity and inclusion and reaching their community engagement targets.

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