I recently volunteered to be part of an internal team that will work on enhancing and enabling diversity. Here, diversity go beyond gender and hiring. It encompasses embracing differences, respecting diverse and divergent views and acknowledging the wisdom that comes with experience and age.
After I had signed up for volunteering, I wondered whether I had done the right thing. After all, volunteering, like a regular job, is a commitment. It calls for setting aside dedicated time to fulfill the obligations associated with that task. It means being present in meetings. All of which, could become demanding at times.
In a full-time job, volunteering often takes a back seat. There is already so much happening on a day-to-day basis. Where is the time for doing anything extra and beyond work? The benefits of volunteering, however, far outweigh the time it can consume.
#Benefit 1: Helps you find your purpose
No one is born with ‘I know what I want to do’ syndrome. And it may take you years to find your purpose. You may go through career ups and downs before you are even able to articulate what is it that you actually enjoy doing the most.
Volunteering helps you understand your purpose in life. As you go around spending your time for a non-work-related activity, you would be surprised to discover new passions and find joy in doing something meaningful. This understanding can lead to the kindling of your purpose in life.
#Benefit 2: Retains talent
The 2022 ‘Talent retention study – connecting purpose and employee retention’ study by Benevity Labs found that ‘companies see a 52% lower turnover among newer employees when they participate in purpose programs.’ The strongest bonds are formed in the first few initial years of employment. This is where corporate purpose programs so that employees cultivate compelling relationships with the company.
Involving employees in the existing CSR programmes of the company is a great way to retain talent.
#Benefit 3: Increases resilience
It is human nature to think of missed opportunities and regrets in life. Volunteerism opens your eyes to how people around the world cope with their adversities. This can have a profound impression on how your own coping strategy and how you deal with life’s challenges. When you take solace from the world of volunteerism and become a part of them, you build resilience to stress and learn how to manage your own anxious thoughts.
#Benefit 4: Teaches new skills
As a volunteer with a school that taught social skills to the mentally challenged children, I learnt what it really means to be compassionate and be grateful to what I had. Teaching them new skills that seemed easy-peasy to me but took hours and hours with them, made me finally understand what patience really is. Sometimes, we all need to go slow in order to move ahead in life.
Volunteering can help you hone your interpersonal communication skills, show you the true meaning of collaboration and problem solving and also aid you in time management.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (Mentoring) from the European Council of Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC), Sarita specializes in career transition, inner engineering and life issues. Sarita enjoys writing and is passionate about animals, books, and movies.
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