Why Volunteering with Co-Workers Can Help Your Career

two co-workers volunteering together

Volunteering with a group of people can be a powerful experience because it can have great impact on you, your company, and the community in which you serve. Not only is volunteering a great way to help others and the community, it can also help your career. If you are looking for things to bulk up your resume, volunteering can be a great addition to your portfolio.

Strengthen Your Company’s Brand Identity

Volunteering with co-workers is a great way to showcase your company. If your company’s brand is known for giving back, this can in turn improve its brand image and the relationship with its community and customers. Not only will your company’s brand image shine from a customer’s perspective, but you may view the company you work for in a different light and in turn have increased motivation and satisfaction at work.

Better Work Environment

Volunteering with co-workers can help create a happier work environment. A happy work environment can improve a company’s employee retention rate and can help attract the right talent. Participating in team-building exercises, such as volunteering, can help employees feel like they are a part of a community rather than just a company. In addition, volunteering with coworkers can make one’s work feel more purposeful.

Health Benefits

Volunteering can also have tremendous effects on your health, specifically your heart health. A study conducted by the Corporation for National Community & Service concluded that volunteering can actually make your heart grow stronger. Completing acts that better your health can improve your mood and lower the amount of sick days you use. Both a positive attitude and commitment to one’s work are shining attributes that will look great on one’s resume.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

Why Volunteering is Good for The Soul

Dr. Barbara R Edwards volunteering in Malawi

Volunteerism brings tremendous joy to those who get fulfillment out of helping others that are less fortunate. This act of service has several benefits that are both great for human health, and great for those who receive this assistance. Below are some of the benefits that one can experience when helping those in need.

Enhances Physical, Emotional, & Mental Well-Being

Volunteering has been proven to lower anxiety and depression, improve self-confidence, and minimize stress. Those who frequently help others often experience a “helper’s high” which is a euphoric rush that increases endorphins. On top of these benefits, volunteering also gives people health benefits which include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as lower cholesterol levels and an improved immune system. With all of these amazing benefits, it’s shocking that more people don’t spend time volunteering!

Positive Impact on Community

Volunteering brings positive effects and changes to communities which make it a better place to be. In times of hardship, volunteering can bring people together and unite the community as one. Even small amounts of time or money donated by volunteering can have a huge, positive impact on a community

Impresses Job Prospects

In addition to establishing credibility on a resume, volunteering increases communication and interpersonal skills by allowing people to interact with their community members more, meet new people, and expand their network. Being surrounded by new people in new environments gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their social skills. Volunteering provides the opportunity to discuss different life experiences while at the same time relating to those who have shared the similar stories.

Dr. Barbara R Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.