Volunteering and the Impact on Employee Well-Being

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee well-being is more important than ever, and job satisfaction can play a significant role. Employees want to work for an organization where they feel valued, supported, and cared for. They also want to feel purposeful and like they have a direct impact on the company mission, according to Gallup. One way organizations can address these needs is by implementing an employee volunteer program, which can align employees with the company’s values and provide them with meaningful opportunities to give back to their communities.

Employee volunteer programs, also known as corporate volunteer programs, are initiatives that are planned and managed by company leadership, typically through partnerships with local nonprofits that align with the organization’s values, as defined by United Way. Employees are encouraged to volunteer by offering incentives like dedicated time off to support meaningful causes.

Research from the International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations (VOLUNTAS) shows that volunteering can benefit physical and mental health. It enhances quality of life by increasing feelings of pride, empowerment, motivation, and self-efficacy. Volunteering also reduces depression and provides a greater sense of purpose, specifically when the focus is on helping others. Additionally, it cultivates social connections and support, further improving overall well-being.

Here is further information on how employee volunteer programs can directly impact mental health, physical health, and job satisfaction and engagement.

Mental health: Volunteering provides employees with a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, according to the Mayo Clinic. This increase in mood and positive feelings helps reduce stress and can lead to improvements in regard to depression, anxiety, and other aspects of mental health. Volunteering can also be a helpful way for employees to manage stress by taking time away from their work to focus on a meaningful, shared goal with others.

Physical health: Many volunteer opportunities increase physical activity and movement. The increase in activity and the reduction of stress can decrease risk for some health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, and general illness. Research also shows that those who regularly volunteer as part of their routine have lower mortality rates compared to those who do not volunteer.

Job satisfaction and engagement: Volunteering through employee volunteer programs provides a unique opportunity to engage in teamwork, communication, and problem solving outside of the typical workplace setting. Employees can also apply skills such as project management, critical thinking, and creativity in new ways that may differ from their professional roles. Employees who engage in volunteer opportunities through work report being 43% more satisfied with their jobs than those who do not volunteer, and they are twice as likely to recommend their employer to those who are in the job market. Employees who volunteer report feeling more fulfilled, more engaged, and as though they have more opportunities to grow professionally within the organization.

Consider these tips if you are thinking about implementing a volunteer program in your organization:

• Make volunteer opportunities meaningful by aligning them to company values and taking employee interests into account.
• Establish partnerships with local nonprofits.
• Schedule volunteer opportunities during times that work for employees’ schedules, or consider a policy offering paid time off for volunteering.
• Promote the volunteer program and opportunities by communicating to employees to ensure they are educated about the benefit and how to participate.

January 20th is King Day of Service, and to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, the King Center invites everyone to participate in a day dedicated to giving back to their community. “Greatness is determined by service.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For more information on the 2025 National Health Observances, join the Wellness Alliance! 

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  Ashton DeMoss

  Wellness Content & Information Specialist

  IFEBP

  Ashton DeMoss currently serves as a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, WELCOA’s partner organization. With extensive experience in the worksite wellness industry, she is passionate about promoting health and well-being in the workplace. To prioritize her personal wellness, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club.