Volunteering: Where human connection thrives

In 2025, our world is more digitally connected, yet, ironically, many of us feel more disconnected than ever before.

Between AI shortcuts, influencer culture, and an endless scroll of quick content, “fast and easy” has become the new normal. But in this rush for convenience, something essential is slipping away: real human connection.

The demand for a corporate employee’s time and attention

Corporate employees face relentless digital fatigue, especially hybrid and fully remote workers, who have an expectation to be “always on”. The push-pull inertia of the demands of work and home life also leaves employees emotionally and energetically spent, so, there is often little time for anything else.

How does volunteering fit in?

Amid the noise, volunteering remains one of the most powerful ways for a corporate employee to reconnect with themselves, their community, and a sense of purpose. Giving time and skills to a Cause they care about doesn’t just help others; it boosts happiness, builds relationships, and strengthens communities.

With limited time and energy available, how can employees fit volunteering into their busy lives?

The good news is this doesn’t have to be a substantial time and resource investment.

• Start small! Microvolunteering activities - quick and easy ways to help, like subscribing to a Cause newsletter or sharing a social media post, can be incredibly effective as first steps. These activities can easily be completed during a lunch break in the Pause areas of the office.

• Pooling talent and resources: Rallying up a team or Business Unit at the office is an effective route for anxious, first-time volunteers to learn from more experienced givers. How about starting a clothing or stationery drive for a Causes around noteworthy periods such as the start of the colder winter months or the beginning of a new school year? Build connections with Causes in the vicinity of the office to make drop offs and visits easy, especially in busier work periods.
• Create an offer: Employees can approach a Cause with how they would like to help? Sharing professional skills - from marketing and finance to legal advice, to help a local Cause grow. These are valuable skills they cannot pay for.

How volunteering makes an impact

Here are two stories from Causes on the forgood platform that show the impact individuals and corporate teams can have:

Sikhululekile spends Mandela Day 2025 with Momentum Group’s employees.

Woodrock Animal Shelter gets overwhelming support from Standard Bank employees.

When people volunteer, they’re not only giving back, they’re building stronger, more compassionate communities. Each small act of service helps solve real problems, empower Causes, and inspire others to take part.

Need advice on setting up your volunteering activity or learning about ways you can give back? Email us on contact@forgood.co.za.