GoVo for Business launched to address rising employee disengagement

Employee disengagement is on the rise in the UK, according to new research backed by Royal Voluntary Service. 

The study found nearly one in three (29%) workers felt detached from their jobs, with 31% saying they were unsatisfied and one in five considering quitting over the last year.

The findings followed the launch of GoVo for Business, a new employee volunteering platform by Royal Voluntary Service. 

The platform, backed by charity and funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, aims to make it easier for businesses to offer volunteering opportunities. 

It was developed in partnership with hundreds of charities and is designed to boost workplace programme participation, which currently stands at around one third of the time available.

The research found 28% of employees had become less productive in the past year, 34% were less engaged, and 35% less satisfied. 

A third (34%) of workers reported feeling stressed or burnt out. 

Only 29% said their work felt meaningful. 

High workloads and a lack of recognition were reported as main reasons.

More than six out of 10 workers agreed that using their skills to benefit the community would increase job satisfaction (62%) and engagement (63%).

Deborah Meaden, sustainable business advocate, investor and Dragon’s Den star, said: “Employee engagement and wellbeing are two of the major cornerstones of a well-functioning business yet can be the hardest to get right. 

“There’s an easy win many employers are missing though: volunteering. 

“It’s proven to improve wellbeing, build connections and skills, and deliver good things for society.”

Meaden added: “However simply offering volunteering days isn’t enough – organisations must actively support and make it easy for teams to take them. 

“With so many vital causes needing our help, employee volunteering is an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to make a real difference both inside and outside the organisation.”

Carole Urey, chief revenue officer at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Disconnected and disengaged employees can be costly for employers. 

“These feelings not only reduce productivity but can impact brand reputation and retention. 

“Volunteering through workplace programmes is a proven way to improve wellbeing, connection and productivity, whilst contributing to society. It’s a win, win.”

Urey added: “But despite good intentions, millions of employee volunteering hours are going unused each year, because employers struggle to find suitable opportunities or don’t have the resource to manage the process. 

“GoVo for Business breaks down these barriers and unlocks workplace volunteering at scale – delivering greater value for businesses, their people and society.”