Since 2015
Who are we?
Voluntās was created from the fundamental belief that all human beings have the inherent right to live a meaningful life. That is why we exist: To realize human potential in all corridors of life – making every workplace, community, and country on the planet full of hope and dignity.
Strategic Narrative
Realizing Human Potential
At Voluntās, we are philosophers, anthropologists, psychologists, economists, dramaturgs, sociologists, political scientists, and people of yet other academic backgrounds. What truly unites us is the shared pursuit of understanding human beings and what drives meaning in our one life.
We use our insights to provide evidence-based inspiration, tools, and recommendations for our partners around the world. We advise international organizations, companies, investors, foundations and NGOs on how to drive a meaningful change in societies and organizations. We study social cohesion and peacebuilding in fragile states. We assess leadership and ethics in modern corporations and we facilitate private-public partnerships and collaboration in every sector.
the anatonomy
Meaningfulness
The Meaningfulness Quotient is based on three primary drivers of meaningfulness: Purpose, Belonging, and Personal Growth. A fourth driver, Leadership, acts as an important facilitator for all three primary drivers. At Voluntās, we have consumed and analyzed extensive research and empirical industry data to understand what makes work meaningful.
We have conducted surveys on meaningfulness in more than 25 industries across 66 geographies with the survey being adapted to 30 different languages. The respondents vary across hierarchy levels, functions, employement type, age groups and genders.
Purpose
You feel a clear direction and tangible impact in your work, and you think that the company’s purpose aligns with your own moral compass and resonates with what you find important in life.
Belonging
You feel a sense of community, inclusion, and team- spirit, and, in general, have strong social ties with your colleagues whom you miss a little when you are not together at work.
Personal Growth
You become a little bit more aware of who you are and who you are not, as well as increasingly more able to understand what you want to become and what you do not want to become while being given the feedback to develop accordingly.
Leadership
You feel guided in your daily work, and it is clear what your daily objectives and priorities are and what you need to achieve.
Voluntās in numbers
A Human Centered Capitalism
At Voluntās, we are at the forefront, advocating for meaningful progress and a human-centered capitalism. In 2023, our efforts spanned industries and geographies, amplifying the voices of human beings worldwide. From transforming acquisitions to supporting in fragile regions like Sudan and Ukraine, our commitment to meaningful change continues. And with innovative initiatives like academic partnerships and our Dēlphi platform, we are shaping a future where more voices can be heard.
Human beings
Nationalities
Offices
annual individual employee insights
leaders advised
human beings are heard every year
From values to virtues
Our Culture
Housing 23 different nationalities including Hindus, Christians, Muslims, atheists, and agnostic human beings, we host a broad array of national, cultural and spiritual backgrounds. We believe that a strong organizational culture should not attract anyone and everyone. That is why, Voluntās and our community of human beings, however diverse, is connected through a shared set of virtues and philosophical cornerstones.
Values
Our Virtues
In Voluntās, we don’t have values but virtues. The concept of value originates in the language of economics, whereas the concept of virtues originates in the language of morality – and Voluntās is primarily about morality and only secondly about economics.
Originating from the belief that every person deserves a meaningful life, Voluntās was founded to create a global baseline for meaningfulness. We strive for a world where economic gains are not detached from human potential.
Rooted in the virtues of self-awareness, aspirations and hard work, honesty, and fact-driven decisions, we aim to lead by example in the transition to a humanistic form of capitalism.
Self-awareness
above Self-confidence
For us, believing in yourself is only half as powerful as knowing yourself.
Aspirations and Hard Work
above Good Intentions
Everything starts with a dream, but we believe in diligence and determination to make a beautiful impact.
Honesty
above Compassion
We pursue professional intimacy in every relation based on truthfulness and integrity, leaving no false truth uncontested.
Facts
above Assumptions
We are powered by passion, but we believe in evidence and expertise to steward our decisions.
Human resssource management
Our Human Potential
In Voluntās, we do not believe in the concept of Human Resource Management. Humans are humans and should be treated as humans. Resources are, as bricks, coins, and oil, just something to exploit and then toss away when it burns out. In Voluntās, we believe that every human being has a potential that is just waiting to be realized. That is why we, instead of having Human Resource Management, have Human Potential Development.
Global Presence, Local Impact
Our Story
Voluntās was founded in Denmark in 2015. For us, the value of money and impact depends on how it is earned and achieved. We strive to pave the way for a humanistic capitalism where every economic, societal, or technological gain equals greater possibilities for humans to pursue their potential.
2015
Established
Voluntās was founded in Copenhagen by Philosopher Morten Albæk and is the first company in the world to systematically explore, measure and advise on meaningfulness.
2016
First Meaningfulness Survey
Introduced the first Meaningful Work Quotient (MWQ) acquired JMW Consulting.
2017
Expanded footprint in Tunisia
Expansion to Tunisia; established an office alongside Copenhagen.
2018
First Cultural Preference Asessment
Introduced the first Cultural Preference Assessment (CPA).
2019
First Cultural Due Diligence
Launched the first Culture Due Diligence (CDD) framework.
2020
Sustainability and ESG Focus
Focus increased on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessments.
2021
Meaningfulness at Work
Advanced methodologies for workplace meaningfulness; new office in San Francisco, United States.
2022
Global Collaborative Effort
Global expansion with new offices in Khartoum, Sudan; Mumbai, India; Beirut, Lebanon; and Oslo, Norway. Employee count reached 61.
2023
Expanding Global Influence
Acquires Sayara International in Sudan and further expansion into Kyiv, Ukraine, and Nairobi, Kenya.
Employee count reached 80.
Global Presence, Local Impact
Our Offices
From our office in Denmark to our offices around the world. Our offices are strategically located across the globe to leverage local insights and foster international collaboration. Each location embodies our commitment to realizing human potential, tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the region.
Copenhagen
Toldbodgade 51D,
5th floor, 1253 Copenhagen K,
Denmark
Kyiv
Maidan Nezalezhnosti, 2,
Kyiv, Ukraine, 01012
Münich
Voluntas Advisory GmbH,
C/O Mindspace Rosental 7, 80331 München
Mumbai
The Empire Business Center, Empire Complex
414, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Nairobi
Tetezi Towers, George Padmore Road, Nairobi
Tunis
2 Rue Hannibal,
Gammarth Supérieur 1057
Promoting Humanistic Capitalism
Our Commitments
We pledge to champion a form of capitalism that prioritizes human values and potential above mere financial gain. By integrating meaningfulness into economic systems, we aim to redefine success in business and society.
Our promise to the world
At Voluntās, we are committed to upholding our values in every action and pursuit, ensuring that our impact aligns with our vision of a more meaningful world
How we make a difference
Championing gender equality and sustainable practices
Voluntās proudly supports global initiatives like the UN Global Compact and the UN Women Empowerment Principles. This commitment to ethical business practices and gender equality reflects our dedication to building a sustainable and equitable world. Through these affiliations, Voluntās strives to promote progressive standards in every aspect of its operations.
Impact Statement
2023
In our 2023 Impact Statement, Voluntās reflects on a year marked by global challenges and significant achievements. As we navigated through political discourses, complex conflicts, and pressing humanitarian issues, our focus remained steadfast on enhancing human potential. This year, we have touched the lives of over 70,000 people globally through our initiatives, emphasizing the shift towards humanistic capitalism and the urgent need for mental health support. Join us as we continue to drive meaningful change across various sectors and geographies.
IMPACT STATEMENT
2022
In 2022, Voluntās continued its mission to create meaningful impact, working globally amidst challenges like COVID-19 aftermath, conflicts, and climate issues. Our teams collaborated with nearly 1,000 leaders and 50 organizations to enhance workplace meaningfulness and societal well-being, reaching out to over 100,000 individuals across various initiatives. These efforts focused on fostering sustainable changes and enhancing lives in fragile environments, underpinned by rigorous research and community-centered policies.