Handbooks
Why Volunteering Should Be Essential to Your Wellbeing Policy
Why doing good makes employees feel good
One of the many reasons that people continue to do good deeds is because they want to make the world a better place. Another reason is because it makes them feel great, but that doesn’t make it any less of a noble or altruistic thing to do. After all, if we can’t make ourselves feel great then how are we supposed to do the same for other people?
Thinking of volunteering as an act of self-care can feel a bit bizarre, but there’s method to that madness. Community volunteering is good for emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
Only 16% of employees feel their mental health is fully supported by employers and around a quarter (26%) admit they struggle to cope at work. Those who volunteer at least once a month report better mental health than those who volunteer infrequently or not at all.
Purpose should come first
No matter how old we are, we’re all searching for a purpose.
It’s not something that many people find easily and it takes a lot of trial and error. Everyone has different values, whether that’s saving the planet by tackling climate change or making the world a better place by looking after those less fortunate.
Many of us will think ‘I don’t know what I’m doing with my life’ at some point. It can be a really lonely feeling.
Getting your employees volunteering for causes they really care about is a great place to start to make sure they feel more fulfilled and gain a true sense of purpose.
Those who volunteer at least once a month report better mental health than those who volunteer infrequently or not at all.
Only
16%
of employees feel their mental health is fully supported by employers and around a quarter (26%) admit they struggle to cope at work.
The benefits of volunteering on wellbeing, in summary
Self Confidence
While some people are just naturally outgoing and extroverted, many people feel like a fish out of water when it comes to meeting new people and doing new things.
If some of your team are naturally introverted then volunteering can help build up their confidence. If some of your team are naturally introverted, volunteering can help build up their confidence. Participating in business volunteering often leads to unexpected opportunities, as nervousness can transform into personal growth. Plus, they get to learn new skills at the same time.
Connection
Volunteering gives people ‘social capital,’ which increases their access to help from others, creating a network of support to rely on during tough times.
This network is not just beneficial for the individual but also supports the entire community. Through corporate community programs, teams cultivate resilience and foster connections as they work together to help others.
Physical Health
Volunteering helps get your team out of the house and physically moving about.
Go out for a stroll with a neighbour or complete a dog walking mission for someone who can’t get out and do it themselves. And forget lifting weights! Complete a shop drop instead — just one of many volunteering activities that gives you a work out while giving back.
To learn more about how corporate volunteering opportunities improve your employees’ wellbeing—and the part OnHand plays in making it easy—download the handbook.