We have talked about the benefits of volunteering before, but the studies on this subject keep coming. And, they continue to show that volunteering is not only good for the community, but good for volunteers and for employers, too. A recent study released by UnitedHealth Group and the Optum Institute for Sustainable Health demonstrates the health benefits for individuals who volunteer. In addition, the study also highlights how employers benefit when their employees volunteer:
- the health benefits volunteers enjoy also benefit the workplace – employers can expect lower health care costs and higher productivity from employees who volunteer;
- volunteers in the study report lower stress levels; other, established research shows that reducing employee stress contributes to higher productivity and levels of engagement;
- volunteering can develop employees’ work skills, which benefits employer and employee;
- volunteers report that volunteering helps them build teamwork and time-management skills; fosters stronger relationships with colleagues; and supports professional networking;
- volunteer activities lead to stronger positive feelings toward an employer when volunteer programs are supported in the workplace.
At BVU, we also hear about these benefits first-hand from businesses in Northeast Ohio that encourage their employees to volunteer in our community.
“We believe that community involvement helps ‘round out’ our people, gives them early leadership experiences, and shows our clients that we share and support their efforts to improve life in Greater Cleveland,” says Chris Kelly, Partner-in Charge, Jones Day.
So, what are you waiting for? Get a group of co-workers together to volunteer for a few hours this summer – maybe outside working at an urban garden – or bring a volunteer project on-site this fall. You could also plan for a half day of volunteering after a morning office retreat – a great way to promote team building.
Don’t know where to start? Contact BVU today – we work with over 100 businesses – both large and small – that encourage their employees to volunteer as nonprofit board and committee members, as pro bono skills-based consultants and as hands on volunteers in our community. We can help you find the perfect way to give back to the community, while keeping yourself healthy and your company strong!