With the aging of our nation’s labor force and new definitions of retirement, how are American companies thinking strategically about ways to capture the talents and energies of the baby boomer generation to expand the boundaries of corporate volunteerism?

This is the question asked and answered in Expanding the Boundaries of Corporate Volunteerism, a new publication from The Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College and Volunteers of America.

The publication provides new research about the aging of the nation’s labor force, and suggests ways the private and public sectors can tap into the talent and energy of the Baby Boom generation in their volunteer programs while preparing their own employees for a lifetime of volunteering. 

“With nearly one-fifth of the workforce projected to be age 55 or older by 2015, older workers will be essential to the success of both private and public sector organizations,” said Jimmie Paschall, executive vice president of external affairs at Volunteers of America.  “The findings of this research have important social implications for both for and non-profits, and provide rich insights into the rapidly changing environment with regard to the civic engagement of America’s growing senior population.”

The research involved examining the attitudes of 1,000 workers – both retired and active – through focus groups and survey research. Twenty-two companies located throughout the United States and representing a variety of industry sectors participated. Executives within the companies were also interviewed to gain an understanding of the scope of corporate practices and attitudes regarding volunteerism and the role of employees and retirees. 

“This research is a clarion call for companies to realize that the value of retired employees must be recognized and nurtured before they stop reporting to work on a daily basis,” said Bradley K. Googins, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College. “It also reaffirms the benefits a company receives from the civic engagement of its employees and the importance of maintaining good will with retirees and making them a strategic part of a corporate volunteer program.”  

Key findings from the research include:

• For most companies, retirees are not seen as a strategic part of volunteer programs.
• More corporate leadership is needed in addressing issues of the aging workforce, including how to best integrate older employees and retirees into volunteer programs.
• There is a business case for maintaining good will with retirees and including retirees and alumni in volunteer programs.
• It is important to develop volunteer DNA before retirement.
• Employees and retirees express a solid interest in volunteering through the workplace; and volunteer programs must capitalize on the interest by understanding and addressing the changing needs and expectations of employees and retirees.
• Businesses have an important role to play in helping employees and retirees navigate transitions in and between work and civic engagement.

This report identifies current approaches, challenges and opportunities, as well as trends in corporate volunteerism. It provides practical information that can assist corporations with stand-alone programs for retirees, such as those established with NRVC’s assistance, as well as those with programs for employees that also engage or could engage retirees to adapt and develop their efforts. The information can also assist nonprofit agencies to proactively plan so that retirees want to join their volunteer forces addressing community needs. It suggests exciting opportunities for corporations and community organizations to partner and prepare employees for a lifetime of volunteering.

Expanding the Boundaries of Corporate Volunteerism was published with grant support from Atlantic Philanthropies.

Download the complete report, Expanding the Boundaries of Corporate Volunteerism.