B4SI recently launched its exclusive member-only Impact Masterclass series, beginning with a session on Employee Volunteering and the Business Case. Industry leaders from Sky, DHL Group, and Fujitsu shared insights on how employee engagement through volunteering benefits both businesses and communities. 

This session highlighted three main takeaways: 

• Data for Strategic Planning – Insights drawn from community investment data using the B4SI framework can guide decision-making. 

• Complexity of Impact Measurement – A common approach to measuring impact is essential to accurately assess volunteering efforts. 

• Importance of Quality Data for Business Cases – Robust data is crucial to demonstrating the business case for volunteering to internal and external stakeholders. 

Case Studies: Leading Companies Driving Employee Volunteering 

Sky 

Lauren Coogans, Time to Care Programme Lead at Sky, shared how their ‘Time to Care’ initiative has increased employee engagement, pride, and well-being by addressing loneliness in communities. Using the B4SI Framework & peer benchmarking data, Sky identified opportunities to expand volunteering efforts (including skilled-based or micro volunteering), allowing all business units to participate in a way that works for them — ultimately leading to improved team relationships, job satisfaction, and performance. 

DHL Group 

Christoph Selig, VP Corporate Citizenship at DHL Group, emphasised the importance of a strong business case to ensure the long-term viability of their corporate citizenship programs. The B4SI Framework has been crucial in enabling DHL to define their social impact measurement approach, leverage their strengths, and foster long-term strategic partnerships. Their ‘GoTeach’ program highlights the value to the business of skills-based volunteering with its benefits to both employees and communities. 

Fujitsu 

Phoebe Rahn, Social Impact Specialist at Fujitsu, detailed how the company’s Volunteering with Purpose initiative, which offers employees three days of paid leave for volunteering, has seen a surge in employee engagement. The B4SI Framework has helped Fujitsu measure and demonstrate the impact of initiatives such as the ‘ABCN Mentoring Program’, which connects mentors with students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This data-driven approach, aligned to the B4SI Framework’s categories, has demonstrated positive impact – increasing volunteers’ pride in the company, enhancing job-related skills and improving personal development. This has resulted in higher retention and employee satisfaction. 

Implementing Societal Impact Strategies

For businesses looking to integrate societal impact into their operations, a strategic and authentic approach is essential. Some key steps to consider: 

1. Define Your Purpose – Establish a clear mission that aligns with your company’s values and societal needs.
   
   
2. Engage Stakeholders – Collaborate with employees, customers, and communities to ensure meaningful impact.

    

3. Embed Impact in Operations – Integrate responsible practices across supply chains, product development, and corporate policies.

    

4. Measure and Report Progress – Track societal contributions through key performance indicators and transparent reporting.

    

5. Leverage Partnerships – Work with nonprofits, government agencies, and industry peers to amplify impact. 

How B4SI Can Support Members 

As experts in social impact, the B4SI team provides tailored support to help businesses evolve their impact measurement strategies. Members have access to a variety of tools on the B4SI Hub, including the Impact Toolkit, which will be the focus of the next Impact Masterclass on May 15 (register for EMEA/NA and APAC sessions). 

• For those interested in accessing a recording of the Employee Volunteering session, please contact your account manager. 

A Future Built on Purpose-Driven Leadership 

As business leaders embrace societal impact, they not only create a better world but also position their companies for long-term resilience and success.

Organisations that prioritise societal well-being over short-term gains will be the ones to thrive in an evolving global economy. 

By embedding purpose into their business models, companies can drive meaningful change while achieving sustainable growth. The future of business is one where societal impact and profitability go hand in hand—ensuring a win for both organisations and the world at large.