A fresh countrywide programme aims to boost staff morale and support local communities by encouraging workplace volunteering.

The 100 Million Hour Movement, established by the Royal Voluntary Service, is calling on UK businesses to double staff volunteering time from 50 million to 100 million hours by the end of 2028.

Carole Urey, chief revenue officer at RVS, said the nation was under mounting strain. Workers were feeling worn out and isolated, with workplace contentment declining and neighbourhoods facing mounting difficulties. Workplace volunteering provided a practical and meaningful answer to these problems. Yet in many workplaces it continued to be an overlooked resource. Vast quantities of yearly volunteer hours went unclaimed. This was a wasted opportunity.

Figures showed 63 percent of Welsh workers reported low or average job satisfaction, with 21 percent saying it had declined over the past year.

The programme argued that workplace volunteering could improve wellbeing, motivation, skills, and interpersonal bonds, resulting in greater workplace engagement and productivity.

The programme follows the launch of GoVo for Business, a charity-supported platform offering comprehensive flexible volunteering opportunities across the nation, scheduled to fit around work commitments.

Companies are being urged to pledge support and broaden volunteer choices for their workforce.