How Accenture Achieved Powerful CSR Impact Through Skills-Based Volunteering

Why Skills-Based Volunteering Matters for CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaders are always looking for effective ways to engage employees while creating measurable societal impact. Skills-based volunteering uniquely meets this need, aligning professional expertise with meaningful causes. A powerful example is Accenture's collaboration with Audiopedia’s translation volunteering program, showcasing how CSR initiatives can become deeply engaging for employees.

How Accenture Engaged Employees Through Translation

Accenture mobilized employees across multiple locations, including India and the Philippines, to volunteer their linguistic skills translating and proofreading Audiopedia’s essential educational content into Bengali, Hindi, Telugu, and Filipino. Volunteers appreciated the opportunity to use their professional skills for good, with 56% of participants highlighting translation and language usage as the most rewarding part of their experience.

Feedback from Accenture volunteers described the program as "one of the most unique, simple, yet powerful CSR events." Participants emphasized the ease and purpose-driven nature of the initiative, feeling a strong personal connection to Audiopedia’s mission to empower rural women with accessible knowledge.

Impact and Employee Satisfaction

The Accenture pilot produced impressive results:

• 100% Volunteer Retention: Every participant expressed interest in volunteering again, demonstrating high satisfaction and sustainability.

• Scalable and Flexible Engagement: Employees appreciated virtual and flexible volunteering formats, facilitating repeat participation.

• Strong Employee Motivation: Volunteers felt deeply motivated by the tangible impact they could achieve—improving lives through education and empowerment.

Key areas identified for further improvement included clearer registration instructions and streamlined onboarding processes, underscoring the importance of seamless volunteer experiences.

Key Lessons for CSR Professionals

For CSR managers considering similar programs, Accenture’s experience offers invaluable insights:

• Skill Alignment Drives Engagement: Employees value opportunities that utilize their professional abilities, making skills-based volunteering highly appealing.

• Hybrid Formats Work Best: Offering both virtual and team-based volunteering events maximizes employee participation.

• Clear Communication is Essential: Streamlined processes, user-friendly platforms, and regular updates on impact greatly enhance volunteer satisfaction and retention.

Inspired by the pilot’s success, Accenture has explored expanding the initiative globally, leveraging language-focused employee networks and aligning activities with international awareness days.