The Benefits of Workplace Volunteering Programs Reading Answers

Bhaskar Das

Aug 13, 2025

The Benefits of Workplace Volunteering Programs Reading Answers contains 7 questions and belongs to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. The Benefits of Workplace Volunteering Programs Reading Answers must be answered within 10 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, question types include: Choose the correct letter.

The Benefits of Workplace Volunteering Programs Reading Answers offers a comprehensive overview of the Workplace volunteering programs boost employee morale, develop transferable skills, and strengthen corporate social responsibility when participation is voluntary and aligned with personal interests. To practice similar reading tests, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Topic:

In recent years, many companies have begun offering workplace volunteering programs that allow employees to dedicate a portion of their workweek to social or environmental causes.

Typically, these programs permit staff to spend one or two days a month volunteering with local charities, environmental groups, or educational institutions.

Employers are finding that such programs benefit not only the community but also their own organisations. Volunteering promotes teamwork and allows employees to develop new skills that can be transferred to the workplace. For example, organising a fundraising event can improve planning and communication abilities. It also gives workers a sense of purpose and connection beyond their daily roles.

Employees, too, report increased job satisfaction and morale when participating in company

-supported volunteering. In a recent survey, over 70% of respondents said volunteering made them feel more positive about their employer. They appreciated being given time to contribute to meaningful causes during working hours.

However, not all volunteering programs are effective. Experts advise that companies should partner with local organisations and allow employees to choose causes that matter to them personally. Mandatory volunteering can have the opposite effect-leading to resentment or stress. The key is to make participation voluntary and aligned with employee interests.

Workplace volunteering is not just a trend but a meaningful part of modern corporate culture.

When done well, it fosters a more engaged, skilled, and socially responsible workforce.

Questions 15-21

Choose the correct letter.

15. Workplace volunteering allows employees to:

A. take extended vacations

B. switch jobs more easily

C. work with outside organisations

D. reduce their daily hours

Answer: C. work with outside organisations

Supporting statement: “Typically, these programs permit staff to spend one or two days a month volunteering with local charities, environmental groups, or educational institutions.”

Keywords: volunteering, local charities, environmental groups, educational institutions

Keyword Location: Paragraph 1, Line 2

Explanation: Employees engage with external organisations through workplace volunteering programs.

16. A benefit for companies is that employees:

A. are more punctual

B. learn transferable skills

C. require less training

D. demand fewer pay raises

Answer: B. learn transferable skills

Supporting statement: “Volunteering promotes teamwork and allows employees to develop new skills that can be transferred to the workplace.”

Keywords: transferable skills, workplace, volunteering

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 2

Explanation: Skills gained during volunteering, like planning and communication, benefit employees professionally.

17. Volunteering helps improve employees':

A. communication and leadership

B. salary and job role

C. leave and overtime

D. location and hours

Answer: A. communication and leadership

Supporting statement: “For example, organising a fundraising event can improve planning and communication abilities.”

Keywords: organising, planning, communication

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 3

Explanation: Events require communication and planning, key workplace leadership skills.

18. Most employees feel volunteering:

A. is a waste of time

B. improves their image

C. helps them work faster

D. increases their happiness at work

Answer: D. increases their happiness at work

Supporting statement: “...over 70% of respondents said volunteering made them feel more positive about their employer.”

Keywords: feel more positive, job satisfaction, morale

Keyword Location: Paragraph 3, Line 2

Explanation: Volunteering boosts employee morale and positivity toward their employer.

19. Mandatory programs may result in:

A. strong teamwork

B. less community impact

C. lower morale

D. more employee promotions

Answer: C. lower morale

Supporting statement: “Mandatory volunteering can have the opposite effect—leading to resentment or stress.”

Keywords: mandatory, resentment, stress

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, Line 3

Explanation: Forced participation in volunteering may demotivate employees, lowering morale.

20. Experts recommend companies:

A. support one single cause

B. make volunteering optional

C. avoid non-local organisations

D. offer financial bonuses

Answer: B. make volunteering optional

Supporting statement: “The key is to make participation voluntary and aligned with employee interests.”

Keywords: voluntary, employee interests

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, Line 4

Explanation: Voluntary programs are more effective and better received by staff.

21. The main message is that volunteering:

A. must be done full-time

B. is outdated

C. improves business and society

D. should replace training

Answer: C. improves business and society

Supporting statement: “Workplace volunteering is not just a trend… it fosters a more engaged, skilled, and socially responsible workforce.”

Keywords: engaged, socially responsible, workforce

Keyword Location: Final paragraph

Explanation: Volunteering benefits both the company (engaged, skilled staff) and the broader community.

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