Best Employee Volunteering Programs

Top CSR & Employee Engagement Activity Ideas in India

Why Employee Volunteering Is a CSR Win-Win in India

In 2024–25, more than 68% of Indian corporates have included employee volunteering programs as part of their CSR policy. Not only does it support community impact, but it also helps boost employee satisfaction, team bonding, and brand visibility.

For CSR heads, HR teams, and corporate leadership, the key challenge is selecting the right kind of volunteering program - engaging, flexible, and meaningful for both employees and the community.

July Focus: Time to Plan Impactful Office Volunteering Drives

If you're planning employee engagement or CSR project activities this quarter, here are some of the most effective, scalable, and meaningful volunteering ideas tailored for the Indian workplace.

1. Tree Plantation Drives with SDG Focus

Organise plantation drives in urban or peri-urban areas. Each employee plants one tree, and local volunteers help maintain them.

✅ Engagement Type: Physical, One-day

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land)

2. Bird Feeder or Eco-Friendly DIY Workshops

Hands-on and fun activities like making bird feeders, cloth bags, or eco bricks promote awareness and team participation.

✅ Engagement Type: In-office, 1–2 hours

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 15

3. Career Guidance for Rural Youth

Your employees can conduct online/offline mentoring sessions for students in rural areas, helping them with career choices and digital literacy.

✅ Engagement Type: Remote or field-based

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work)

4. Clean Beach or Lake Cleanup Activities

Ideal for metro-based teams. Organise cleanups at beaches or lakes with NGOs that can handle permissions and logistics.

✅ Engagement Type: Outdoor, Half-day

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)

5. Laptop and Mobile Donation Drives

Many employees have unused working laptops. Partner with NGOs to collect, wipe, refurbish, and distribute them to school students.

✅ Engagement Type: In-office campaign

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 4 (Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

6. Joy of Giving Drives (Clothes, Stationery, Hygiene Kits)

Simple, high-participation programs where employees donate daily essentials, which are distributed with dignity to underserved communities.

✅ Engagement Type: Short-term drive

✅ SDGs Covered: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health)

What Makes a Volunteering Program Work?

• Customised design based on team size and location

• SDG mapping and CSR impact reports

• Easy coordination for HR and CSR teams

• Real, measurable impact shared via reports and media

Why NGOs Are Key to Successful Volunteering Programs

Choosing the right NGO partner ensures that the activity:

• Aligns with the company’s CSR goals

• Is logistically smooth with proper permissions

• Has pre- and post-event coordination

• Includes impact documentation and photos

Ready to Launch a Volunteering Program?

To make this happen, you can collaborate with experienced organisations like Marpu Foundation who specialise in designing and executing CSR-aligned volunteering programs across India.

📍 To learn more, visit www.marpu.org