Volunteer work pays off! Not only does it help people who need help, promotes environmental projects and makes a massive contribution to a better society — it makes you happier, promotes your health and boosts your career! Companies that offer so-called corporate volunteering programs, i.e. benefit from this.
You don't believe us? We have compiled all the studies here and show you that volunteering is much more than “just” doing good.
Here you can find the effects on mental and physical health, Social Environment, the Acquisition of Skills and Your Career Opportunities.
The statistical benefits for companies in Employee Engagement, Recruiting, and Retention, as well as the benefits within corporate culture Can you find in Our blog article specific to studies about companies.
Your benefits from volunteering
mental health
- Happiness and life satisfaction: Volunteers regularly report higher life satisfaction and better mental health. One Long-term study from Great Britain Showed that people who frequently volunteer, particularly from middle age, have significantly better mental health scores.
- Reduced depression: Older adults in particular benefit greatly psychologically from commitment: Volunteering has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing depression, especially among people over 65 years of age.
- Less stress — more happiness: The feeling of helping others reduces stress and improves mood. According to the Journal of Happiness Studies (2020), volunteers are less stressed and happier. A full 77% of participants A study Regarded their company's voluntary activities as crucial to their own well-being.
- “Helper's High” — the rush of helping: 94% of volunteers report a positive mood and 78% have been shown to experience lower levels of stress — The well-known “helper's high” effect puts you in a good mood after volunteer work.
Physical Health
- Extended life expectancy Scientific analyses confirm that volunteers have an average of 22% lower mortality rates than non-volunteers, i.e. taking into account health status and demographics.
- Better functional health Volunteering not only improves mental health but also physical health. Volunteers show improved physical function and mobility, particularly at an older age.
- Healthier lifestyle Those who help regularly remain more active and socially engaged. Volunteer work Promote health-promoting behaviours Such as Movement, Social Interaction, and Activity, Which in Turn positive effects on cardiovascular system and cognitive abilities Has.
- Physically fit through commitment 75% of volunteers feel physically healthier, while 79% feel less stressed — Volunteering therefore has a preventive effect against social isolation, lack of exercise and health problems.
Social environment
- Expanding the Social Network Volunteering connects people. New friendships and a sense of community are created through joint commitment, which promotes deep and sustainable social relationships.
- Reducing loneliness Long-term studies show that seniors who volunteer over 100 hours a year Are significantly less lonely than occasional volunteers.
- Building social capital Long-term commitment creates trust and mutual support. Volunteers benefit from Strong Emotional Networks and Greater Resilience in Times of Crisis.
Personal development and career
- Increased self-confidence Volunteering Strengthens self-confidence and self-effectiveness by challenging volunteers and helping them to complete new tasks.
- Professional competencies and leadership skills Young people in particular benefit from volunteer work: Teamwork, Sense of Responsibility and Leadership Skills Are Demonstrably Improving, which increases attractiveness on the job market.
- Personal enrichment Empathy, cultural sensitivity and resilience grow through volunteer work. Volunteers often develop a deeper understanding of others' needs and become more patient and grateful.
- Better Opportunities on the Job Market Studies proveThat Volunteers have significantly higher chances of finding a job (+27%), particularly among socially disadvantaged groups and people from rural areas.
Conclusion
The scientific facts speak for themselves: Volunteer work not only makes the world a little better, but also your own life — healthier, happier and more successful. So it's high time to take action and experience the benefits for yourself!
Look here We would also like to share our summary of the studies on the benefits for companies.
