According to research commissioned by BITC, only 15% of employees say they are given time to volunteer by their employer.
BITC chief executive Stephen Howard said businesses are missing out on the benefits that can come from empowering employees to make a difference in their local communities.
“Employee volunteering is a win-win; the experience builds skills and motivates employees, while helping meet community needs," he said.
Graham Lindsay, group director of responsible business at Lloyds Banking Group, said the bank allows its employees at least one paid day per year for volunteering.
He said: “We find that colleagues who undertake volunteering come back into our business with a renewed outlook and sense of pride, and often turn one-off days into longer term volunteering commitments to charities and good causes across the UK.”
The findings coincide with the launch of Give & Gain Day 2015, which takes place on May 15. The BITC event encourages businesses and their employees to spend a working day helping in their local community.
