Today, 14 volunteers from ANFCORP (Abercrombie & Fitch Corporation) took part in an adaptive sports activity with people with physical disabilities in Madrid.
After speaking with the activity coordinator and the company’s representative, I reached a conclusion worth sharing:
Corporate volunteering is much more than a “team building” experience — it is a powerful way to create real social impact.
From traditional Team building to Social Team Building
In recent years, companies have understood that their role goes far beyond generating economic value.
Today, social responsibility has become a core element of organizational culture, and corporate volunteering is one of the most powerful tools to bring that commitment to life.
Beyond being a solidarity activity or what is now called “team building,” corporate volunteering represents something much greater: an opportunity to strengthen teams, develop key skills, and generate a positive social impact.
It’s a space where employees can step out of their daily routines, put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and directly experience the realities of vulnerable groups.
Building teams with a purpose
When a group of colleagues shares a corporate volunteering experience, a different kind of connection is created.
There are no hierarchies or job titles — everyone works together with a common goal: to give their time and energy to improve other people’s lives.
This shared experience strengthens team cohesion, promotes collaboration, shared leadership, and empathy — all essential elements for a healthy and productive work environment.
Moreover, by participating in activities outside of the usual workplace context, employees discover new sides of their colleagues, build mutual trust, and develop a sense of pride in belonging to a company committed to society.
The value of learning through volunteering
Taking part in social team building not only benefits those who receive help, but also those who give it.
These experiences promote the development of cross-cutting skills that are highly valued in the professional world, such as:
Empathy and social awareness: by interacting with people in vulnerable situations, volunteers learn to understand different realities and contexts.
Teamwork and communication: coordinating efforts and practicing active listening become essential to achieving shared goals.
Adaptability and problem-solving: volunteering environments often require creativity and quick thinking in unexpected situations.
Positive leadership: many participants discover their ability to inspire, guide, and make an impact by leading through example.
These learnings don’t end with the volunteering day — they are carried back into the workplace, improving the organizational climate and enhancing team effectiveness.
Now more than ever, the organizations that make a difference are those that dare to lead with purpose. Investing in corporate volunteering and social team building is a firm step toward a more supportive, sustainable, and deeply human future.
