Original article here.
Authors: Dr. Mahreen Khan and Dr. Khue Tran
There’s something powerful about giving back. Whether it’s helping a colleague, mentoring someone new, or dedicating time to a cause you care about, acts of service don’t just benefit others – they benefit those doing the giving, too.
At Atlassian, this philosophy is part of our ethos. Atlassian supports a culture of giving back by providing employees with 40 hours of paid leave to volunteer every year; encouraging team volunteering at our in-person team events; and embedding volunteer work into many teams’ Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). The visibility of these efforts, whether highlighted in company Town Halls or public tracking of team volunteering hours, reinforces how deeply this is woven into the fabric of the company.
And these initiatives work. Since June 2024, 3,252 Atlassians have volunteered through the Atlassian Foundation, contributing an incredible 26,891 hours total. That’s an average of 8 hours of volunteering per person!
And while these numbers are impressive, the real story lies in how volunteering is improving engagement, satisfaction, and even team performance. So, what does the research say about giving back?
Why volunteering makes us happier (and better) at work
It improves job satisfaction and loyalty
We conducted research internally at Atlassian by connecting survey data with volunteering data. Our research demonstrates that Atlassians who volunteer are less likely to want to seek jobs elsewhere and are more likely to believe Atlassian is a great place to work. When employees feel they are a part of something bigger, they develop a stronger connection to their workplace.
Our findings align with other research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) – companies that invest in social impact don’t just do good for the world; they also foster happier, more engaged employees.
It strengthens team connections
Volunteering isn’t just about individual growth – it helps our teams too. Atlassians who volunteer report feeling more excited about their work and feel more connected to their teams.
Why does this happen? Many Atlassians don’t volunteer solo – they volunteer together with their teams (especially at our in-person togetherness events!) Shared experiences, especially those outside of daily work tasks, create deeper bonds and increase trust. This is especially important in remote and hybrid environments, where organic moments of connection are harder to come by.
It creates a ripple effect
One of our most fascinating findings? Volunteering is contagious. People are significantly more likely to volunteer when their managers and team members are also volunteering.
This makes sense – when leaders prioritize giving back, it signals that it’s valued, creating a culture where more people feel inspired to participate. In fact, teams are even more likely to volunteer when their goals (e.g., their OKRs) explicitly support it.
Making giving back a part of work life
The more we give, the more we all gain. Companies that embed social impact into their culture aren’t just helping communities – they’re building workplaces where people feel inspired, engaged, and truly connected.
So, if you’ve never volunteered, now might be the perfect time to start. Not only will you be making a difference in the world, but you might just find it makes a difference in your work, your team, and your own sense of fulfillment.
Here’s where to start
The Atlassian Foundation has created a guide to help create volunteering opportunities in your workplace. Our volunteering campaign guide provides insights into how we create energy and a little friendly competition around volunteering.
