In today’s always-on world, people expect seamless, mobile-first experiences in every area of their lives — including how they do good. With the rise of mobile technology and the growing demand for flexible purpose programs, corporate social responsibility (CSR) leaders must meet employees where they are. By offering the only Enterprise Impact Platform platform with a fully integrated mobile app for CSR programs, Benevity is again helping to redefine employee engagement and workplace giving in the digital age.
A Shift in How Good Gets Done
Mobile giving isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s becoming a critical tool for enterprise impact programs, supporting both employee engagement and workplace giving. Benevity platform data shows more than 47% of employee giving and volunteering interactions in 2024 came through mobile devices. Industry-wide trends reflect this momentum: According to SOAX, Global Web Index reports that mobile usage now accounts for more than 60% of internet traffic, and Global Web Index data shows users are checking their phones more than 50 times a day and nearly half of those phone checks happen at work.
This shift in behavior presents an incredible opportunity for companies to integrate giving and volunteering into the natural rhythm of employees' daily lives. From donating to disaster relief in real time, to logging volunteer hours on the go, mobile technology ensures that purpose is never out of reach.
Why CSR Leaders Need to Think Mobile-First
As today’s workforce becomes increasingly distributed and hybrid, employees are looking for ways to connect with their company’s corporate purpose from anywhere. Mobile functionality offers inclusive participation across geographies, time zones and work styles.
Mobile giving isn’t just convenient. It’s transformative. “A well-designed mobile experience empowers employees to engage with causes on their own terms — whether they’re donating, volunteering, logging positive actions or participating in company-wide campaigns,” said Candace Worley, Chief Product Officer at Benevity. “This kind of flexibility is key in a hybrid work world where people are no longer tied to office desks or desktops.”
By making giving accessible anywhere, anytime, mobile devices remove friction. It turns inspiration into action - in the moment - whether someone is commuting, inspired by a Slack message, during a meeting or virtual Town Hall, walking their dog or waiting in line for coffee.
Trends Driving Mobile Giving
Mobile-first behavior isn’t new, but its adoption in corporate purpose programs has hit a tipping point. According to Benevity platform data, mobile giving and volunteering interactions increased nearly 50% in the last three years. And among Gen Z employees, that number climbs even higher, signaling a generational expectation for mobile-native experiences.
People are increasingly engaging with purpose in shorter, more frequent bursts - whether it's making a quick donation, volunteering for an hour, or completing everyday micro-actions like supporting a local business or bringing a reusable cup to work. These bite-sized activities are a natural fit for mobile and help reduce barriers to entry, making it easier for new or previously disengaged employees to participate.
Facts That Make the Case for Mobile CSR Engagement
- Multiple sources suggest that more than 80% of millennials have a preference to donate via mobile devices.
- The rate at which people return to the Benevity mobile app each week is 1.8 times higher than on the web.
- Push notifications on mobile tend to see higher open and click through rates than email which can drive more immediate and sustained involvement in a workforce giving, ERG or volunteer opportunity.
These numbers are indicative of how CSR is evolving. It’s no longer about annual drives or intranet portals. It’s about embedding purpose into the flow of people’s daily lives.
What Mobile Means for CSR Leaders
Mobile is not just a channel. It’s a strategy. If your company’s purpose platform doesn’t offer a mobile solution, you’re leaving engagement — and impact — on the table. With mobile integrated into corporate purpose programs, CSR teams can immediately expand opportunities to:
- Increase accessibility for global, remote and frontline employees
- Drive real-time participation with instant access to giving, volunteering and micro-actions
- Increase program visibility and impact through push notifications, reminders and intuitive user experiences
CSR leaders who embrace mobile are not just keeping pace with the times. They’re future-proofing their programs and deepening their people’s connection to purpose — anytime, anywhere. With a CSR platform that includes an integrated mobile app, doing good becomes as easy as unlocking your smartphone.
