Introduction
In the past decade, corporate volunteering in Mexico has transitioned from a peripheral or symbolic activity to a central strategy in organizational culture and corporate social responsibility. This shift is driven by the growing demand for purpose among employees, the professionalization of the social sector, and partnerships between businesses, civil society organizations, and specialized platforms.
Experts’ Perspectives
Raquel Origel Puertas, Director of Voluntarios México, explains that this evolution reflects a change in mindset within organizations. “Today, companies understand that volunteering is not an expense but an investment that strengthens internal cohesion, reputation, and most importantly, their ability to contribute to the sustainable development of the country,” she asserts.
Prioritizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The causes that most engage employees in Mexican companies are closely linked to the UN’s SDGs. Education, health and well-being, poverty and hunger reduction, climate action, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups top the list of priorities.
Violetta Farías, founder of Voluntarios México, explains that this alignment allows companies to project their actions beyond philanthropy and connect them with global goals. “When a company participates in reforestation, educational campaigns, or inclusion programs, it contributes to solving planetary challenges while strengthening its teams through a sense of purpose,” she details.
Data-Driven Trends
Statistics support this trend. In Mexico, 76% of companies with formal volunteering programs report improved work climate, while 61% see increased motivation and productivity among their teams. Furthermore, 44% acknowledge that these activities bolster internal leadership by developing empathy, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Benefits for Employees
For employees, benefits range from a sense of belonging to emotional satisfaction. According to regional surveys, 88% of workers in Latin America feel more loyal to a company that involves them in social causes.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite progress, challenges remain. One significant challenge is aligning employees’ social interests with the company’s sustainability strategy. Additionally, there is a need for robust structures to design, measure, and sustain programs.
Digitalization has transformed the volunteering dynamics, enabling virtual and hybrid models that reach more people. However, as Origel warns, “the challenge is maintaining the human and emotional component in an increasingly technological environment.”
Looking ahead, greater emphasis is expected on skills-based volunteering, collaborative models between businesses, and using technology to amplify impact. Inclusion, diversity, and intergenerational participation will also be crucial factors.
Recommendations for Companies
For companies seeking to initiate or strengthen their programs, Farías advises listening to teams, setting clear objectives aligned with business strategy, and finding expert partners to ensure genuine impact. “Corporate volunteering should be viewed as a long-term investment with clear indicators and the conviction that it transforms communities, organizations, and individuals,” she concludes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What has changed in corporate volunteering in Mexico? Corporate volunteering has evolved from a peripheral or symbolic activity to a central strategy in organizational culture and corporate social responsibility.
- Which UN SDGs are prioritized by Mexican companies? The most prioritized SDGs include education, health and well-being, poverty and hunger reduction, climate action, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
- What benefits do companies experience from volunteering programs? Companies report improved work climate, increased motivation and productivity, and strengthened internal leadership skills.
- How do employees benefit from corporate volunteering programs? Employees experience increased loyalty, sense of belonging, and emotional satisfaction.
- What challenges do companies face in implementing volunteering programs? Companies must align employees’ social interests with their sustainability strategy and develop robust program structures.
- What trends are expected in the future of corporate volunteering? Future trends include skills-based volunteering, collaborative models between businesses, and using technology to amplify impact.
