The Power of Service: How Volunteering Strengthens Teams and Fuels Growth
By Megan Myers, Senior Consultant
Join us in celebrating the Global Month Of Volunteering and let us inspire change together!
Global Volunteer Month is an initiative created by Points of Light; a global nonprofit organization dedicated to volunteer service. Held every April, this month-long celebration encourages and recognizes volunteerism, sharing the positive impact of volunteers who actively give back to their communities.
Volunteering plays a crucial role in enhancing teamwork, leadership, and personal development, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration within organizations. Companies that integrate volunteerism into their culture not only give back to communities but also create a more engaged, innovative, and cohesive workforce, driving long-term success.
““The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.””
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that volunteering has on teamwork, leadership development, and personal fulfillment. Whether volunteering as a group, aligning to a company’s commitment to giving back, engaging in Forum Solutions team events, or serving on a board, these experiences have reinforced the idea that service is not just an act of giving, it is a powerful tool for professional and organizational growth.
Some of my most rewarding professional experiences were when colleagues came together for a cause beyond our daily tasks. At Nordstrom, volunteering as a group for community initiatives like clothing drives and mentoring strengthened our relationships in ways traditional team building could not. Leaders emerged, problem-solvers took charge, and collaboration flowed naturally. With bonds formed during these events communication and teamwork improved back at work.
In my client work, I recognized that when companies place strong emphasis on giving back, integrating volunteerism into their brand identity and daily operations, it fosters a workplace culture that values not only individual success, but collective impact. High-performing teams rely on shared values and a sense of mutual accountability. Volunteering within a company helps instill these principles, as employees collaborate in a setting that fosters altruism rather than competition.
Adam Grant notes in Give and Take that “the most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” Volunteering embodies this principle. High-performing teams rely on shared values and a sense of mutual accountability. Volunteering within a company helps instill these principles, as employees collaborate in a setting that fosters altruism over competition.
At Forum Solutions, we have worked to ensure that daily activities, events, and even product decisions reflect our core values. It is not just about what we do internally, but about the impact we have externally. From designing better processes to making conscious choices about partnerships and initiatives, volunteering and giving back have been constant considerations in shaping a value-driven workplace. Helping others fosters a greater sense of purpose, which in turn enhances engagement and productivity. At Forum Solutions, we see this play out in real time during our team volunteer events. Whether assembling care packages for those in need or dedicating time to mentorship programs, these moments reinforce our company’s core values, giving our daily work greater meaning. As Simon Sinek reminds us in his TED Talk, How Great Leaders Inspire Action, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Our “why” is evident in how we serve others.
Volunteering offers another opportunity for personal growth. Many of my Forum Solutions colleagues have served on various boards, and I have witnessed firsthand how these experiences develop leadership skills in ways that differ from their day-to-day roles. Whether guiding strategic decisions for nonprofits or mentoring emerging professionals, these experiences challenge individuals to think beyond immediate business outcomes and consider long-term impact.
“Volunteering provides a sense of meaning. It strengthens culture, improves retention, and fosters innovation.”
This year, serving on a board is a personal goal of mine. I have personally found that leading outside of a traditional work environment, where hierarchical structures are often less rigid, has been instrumental in developing my ability to influence and inspire in the workplace. To achieve my goal of serving on a board this year, I am starting by clarifying my interests, whether in corporate, nonprofit, advisory, or government boards, and identifying industries or causes that align with my expertise and values. I assess my qualifications by highlighting my skills, industry experience, and leadership roles, particularly in areas like retail/supply chain, team building, PMO creation, strategy, risk management, and governance to see where I can make the greatest impact. Networking strategically is essential, so I am engaging with professionals in my industry, attending board networking events, and connecting with existing board members to express my interest.
Ultimately, successful companies recognize that volunteering is not a side project—it is a strategic advantage. According to a Harvard Business Review article by Goler et al. (2016), “people are more likely to stay in organizations where they feel a sense of meaning and purpose.” Volunteering provides this sense of meaning. It strengthens culture, improves retention, and fosters innovation.
Successful companies recognize that volunteering is a competitive advantage, strengthening culture, improving retention, and fostering innovation. By supporting employee volunteerism, companies enhance their reputation, align employees with their mission, and boost engagement, motivation, and commitment. However, the benefits of workplace volunteering extend far beyond community service and benefits to the company. It is a powerful mechanism for personal goals, fostering personal growth, and cultivating leadership skills.
About Megan Myers
Megan Myers, a retail professional with a proven track record, specializes in omni-channel planning, international store development, and supply chain optimization. Recognized as a change agent, she leads high-profile projects driving innovation and process improvement. With expertise in operations, technology, and merchandising, Megan excels in strategic planning and product management. Her proactive work style ensures the successful execution of projects independently and on time. A proven leader, Megan brings valuable insights to retail and technology integration.
Forum Solutions is a management consulting company dedicated to crafting and delivering transformational outcomes for our clients, our colleagues, and our community. With our help, clients become more agile, resilient, and connected, bringing great ideas to fruition with brilliant results. From start-ups to the Fortune 50, business leaders rely on Forum Solutions to help them form and realize their strategies. Our company is a certified Woman Owned Business that believes in developing and growing our colleagues, company, and region in a socially conscious way.