New research from CTW Events reveals that staff loyalty, wellbeing and workplace culture are increasingly being shaped by a single factor: purpose.
The 2025 survey conducted this autumn shows overwhelming demand for workplace volunteering, with over nine in ten (92%) saying they are more likely to stay with a company that actively supports team volunteering, and 85% reporting that taking part in volunteering through work boosts their overall job satisfaction.
As businesses plan for 2026, the message is clear: corporate volunteering is no longer a nice-to-have, it has become essential to keeping people engaged, connected and committed.
The survey also highlights a major shift in how employees want to spend time with their colleagues. While traditional team socials still play a role, 83% say they are more likely to participate in team building if it has a meaningful social or environmental impact, and 92% believe purpose-led activities strengthen relationships more than traditional events.
Three quarters of respondents (76%) said they would welcome more opportunities to take part in volunteering through their work, with 87% saying they would be more likely to volunteer if the process was easier.
Since 2012, CTW Events has mobilised 237,000 hours of team‑building to build and distribute 6.3 million kits via 1,000+ charity partners worldwide. In 2024, the company delivered 1,550 global events – an incredible 300% increase on 2023 – which supports the survey findings that employee demand for purpose-led team building events is increasing sharply.
From community support projects to disaster relief kit builds, employees are demanding experiences that strengthen teams and boost morale while directly helping people in need, bridging the gap between employee passion and employer action.
Madison Ayache, Vice President at CTW Events, says: “Employees are asking for purpose, and they’re asking loud and clear. These findings show that workplace volunteering isn’t just good for communities, it lifts wellbeing, strengthens team bonds and directly influences retention.
“When companies make giving back accessible, engagement soars. Purpose drives performance, and in 2026, organisations that embrace this will be the ones that thrive.”
As workplace culture continues to evolve, CTW Events says the findings should act as a clear call to action: Employees want to contribute. With workplace volunteering now proven to influence satisfaction, loyalty and culture, the challenge for businesses is no longer whether to act, but how quickly they can embed purpose into everyday working life.
To request a copy of the full survey results report, click here.
