The Impact of Philanthropic Initiatives on Employee Engagement and Retention in Quebec SMEs

Laurence Croteau, Co-coordinator and communications manager – UQAM – PhiLab

Elisabeth Robinot, Co-director of PhiLab, Associate Professor – ESG UQAM – Département de Marketing

Amin Othmani

Published on May 20 2026

This research paper presents the findings of an initial exploratory phase examining the role of philanthropic initiatives in the workplace among Quebec SMEs. Conducted in collaboration with the Nooé Foundation, this study is set against a backdrop where such practices are gaining increasing prominence, particularly due to their potential to support organizational commitment and employee retention.

Drawing on a literature review and a structured conceptual framework, the research highlights the importance of employee perceptions in the effectiveness of these initiatives. It emphasizes that their impact depends largely on their consistency, authenticity, and alignment with organizational values.

This report presents qualitative findings from interviews with experts, yielding significant insights into the dynamics at play. It thus constitutes a first step toward a deeper understanding of the phenomenon, paving the way for further research—particularly of a quantitative nature—to explore its scope and generalizability.

  • Laurence Croteau
    Co-coordinator and communications manager
    UQAM – PhiLab
  • Elisabeth Robinot
    Elisabeth Robinot
    Co-director of PhiLab, Associate Professor
    ESG UQAM – Département de Marketing
  • logo de la Fondation Nooé
    Nooé Foundation
    Florence Petit-Gagnon
    Co-initiator

How to cite this publication

Laurence Croteau, Elisabeth Robinot, Amin Othmani. (2026). The Impact of Philanthropic Initiatives on Employee Engagement and Retention in Quebec SMEs, [Research paper], PhiLab – Canadian philanthropy partnership research network, https://philab.uqam.ca/en/the-impact-of-philanthropic-initiatives-on-employee-engagement-and-retention-in-quebec-smes/