Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): we all hear about it today. That’s because companies have discovered that investing in CSR actually has tangible results for the business, resulting in increased sales and a greater public opinion. The world is becoming more socially conscious and, as it does, a greater emphasis is being placed on giving back –- for many companies, that means volunteering.
Workplace volunteering is a win-win for everyone involved: it’s good for the group or the environment, as well as your employees’ overall happiness. In a study by the London School of Economics, it was found that individuals who took part in volunteering were 12% more likely to say they were “very happy” when compared with those who did not.
It’s no wonder, since volunteering helps us fulfill an innate desire to give back and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Here are four ways volunteering improves your employees’ happiness:
- Connection: Sometimes, sitting at an isolated desk for months on end can be pretty lonely. When employees volunteer, it’s a way for them to connect to others. While they’re volunteering, they may connect with fellow co-workers on a personal level, which translates into heightened collaboration and communication in the workplace.
- Mind & Soul: We are more than our bodies -– humans have a spiritual component that’s directly related to our overall sense of joy and happiness. Volunteering is one of those activities that helps us fill this void which, in turn, makes us happier. Happier employees mean more energetic, encouraging and grateful people working with you every day to make the business a success.
- Career Advancement: While you’re volunteering, you might learn a new skill, passion, or piece of information that you can take back with you to your office. Putting it into practice, you’ll become a well-rounded employee, helping contribute to your career advancement. For managers and business owners, this kind of newfound knowledge will encourage employees to step outside of their comfort zones and try even harder.
- Fun: We could all use a little more fun in our day. The monotony of a 9-to-5 job, day after day, can chip away at even the most ambitious of people. Volunteering is a nice break from the office environment, demonstrating that you care about your employees and their total enjoyment. By volunteering, employees are now team building while having fun –- what could be better?
Workplace Volunteering
Sometimes, the answers to our workplace woes lie outside of the physical workplace. We all need a breather now and then, a reminder that there’s more to life than our career position. Volunteering is a great way to step back, give back and get to know co-workers on a more personal level. It translates into a permanent happiness that will be infectious in your work environment.
To keep your employees happy, consider integrating CurrentTrack®, an automated traffic management system that contains all information in one place –- for happier, more productive employees.