The Benefits of Volunteering by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
As a busy professional, you might believe you don’t have time to do volunteer work. In fact, you might even believe that spending time away from your business to work as a volunteer is time wasted, especially if your business is in growth mode. However, here are some reasons you should take the 
time to volunteer, no matter how busy you are with work. You might be surprised to find that volunteering can actually benefit your business.
- Volunteering changes your perspective. You will see lots of things in a new light by working with a nonprofit organization. You will certainly get an appreciation for volunteers and recipients of the organization, and you may also learn some new management techniques by watching how the organization is run.
- Volunteering clears your mind. Working in an environment that is completely different than your work environment and performing tasks that are not related to your job can be very good for your mind. You will get much needed mental “down time” for your brain.
- Volunteering makes you feel good. You will get a sense of fulfillment from doing good in your community. This can translate into an overall sense of well-being and purpose in your life. Many people feel energized by giving of their time.
- Volunteering can be a great way to network. You can meet a lot of other people while volunteering, including people you might never have met through any other channel. This extra networking may benefit your business, too.
- Volunteering helps you create a personal legacy. As you get older, you will look back on your life and reflect on the things you did that made the world better. While you will hopefully feel that way about your career, you will not likely feel that spending 70 hours a week at work made the world a better place. But, you will almost certainly believe that about the time you spend giving back to your community.
- It’s a great lesson for your kids. If you’re a parent, volunteering teaches your children about giving back. This is a lesson you can only teach by doing. If your children grow up seeing you volunteer, they will likely follow in your footsteps when they are adults. If your children are old enough, look for opportunities for the two of you to volunteer together.
There are so many reasons to volunteer. The good you will do and the fulfillment you’ll gain will reward you just as much as the organization you choose.