The Benefit of Volunteering: Giving Back is Good for You

With the demanding schedules most of us face, spending time on anything beyond work, family, or favorite activities is not an easy choice. And yet, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 28 percent of Americans volunteer through official organizations, and many more give their time informally. 

In an increasingly busy, distracted, and often cynical world, the obvious question is: Why? One major reason may be that volunteering is good for you.

Mental health

In an article published by the American Heart Association, Jeffrey Burr, a professor of gerontology at UMass Boston, said, “We’re convinced that volunteering does have positive ramifications for well-being. Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, higher life satisfaction, greater happiness, and greater sense of meaning in life.”

Research from the McKinsey Health Institute reinforces this perspective. In a global survey on workplace well-being, McKinsey identified volunteering as one of the few “modifiable drivers” that can significantly improve both mental and physical health. Employees who engaged in volunteer work reported lower levels of burnout, stress-related symptoms, and social isolation. In other words, giving time to others doesn’t just benefit communities—it also helps individuals thrive.