It is generally accepted that volunteering is a good thing to do for others. But is it true volunteering also benefits the volunteer? UnitedHealth Group wanted to look into this phenomenon further so they decided to conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis on the positive effects employees and employers receive from volunteering.

The 2013 Health and Volunteering Study used a nationwide sample of 3,351 volunteers and non-volunteers. Through this survey they found evidence to support the idea that when employees volunteered they felt less stressed and an overall increase in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The numbers were not only significant, they were at times overwhelming.

Based on these findings, employers are realizing benefits like lower healthcare costs, higher job productivity, and a reduction in turnover when they encourage and facilitating volunteerism in their employees.

Carol Simon and Kate Rubin from UnitedHealth provided some tips for companies to increase volunteer opportunities for their workforce:

Learn more about this study or print the booklet here.