There are many advantages to volunteering. In fact, the volunteer often benefits more than the communities they serve1.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with your community, find like minded people, and make a positive difference. It helps those who are lonely the most.1
People feel good when they do good.
Volunteering can enhance your mood, and promote your health. Volunteers report greater life satisfaction. This is particularly true among the elderly and adults who are social isolated.
People who volunteered between 40 and 100 hours a year benefitted the most. Those who volunteered with more than one organisation benefitted more than those who volunteered with one, and those who have volunteered consistently across their lifespan, benefitted more than those who volunteer sporadically.
There is a long list of the benefits that studies have found from volunteering. Volunteers tend to have2,3:
- Longer lives
- A lower risk of dying,
- A higher quality of life
- A greater life satisfaction,
- A better sense of purpose,
- A more positive mood,
- A reduced risk of hypertension
- A reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- An increased physical functioning.
- A delay in progression of degenerative diseases,
- Increased physical functioning,
- Better coping mechanisms,
- Healthier lifestyles,
- Better social interaction,
- Better self esteem,
- Lower depression
- Lower stress
- Less frequent hospitalisations,
- Less pain and
- Less psychological distress.
In workplaces, volunteering has been linked to various positive outcomes, including increased job satisfaction and improved job performance. Those who volunteered found their work more meaningful.4
Health improvement is rarely cited as a motive to volunteer. It’s important to find a cause that aligns with your values and which you see contributes in a meaningful way to your community.
What is important to you? How can you get involved?
- Piliavin, J. A., & Siegl, E. (2007). Health benefits of volunteering in thewisconsin longitudinal study*. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 48(4), 450-64. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.slq.qld.gov.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/health-benefits-volunteering-wisconsin/docview/201663525/se-2
- Weziak-Bialowolska, D., Skiba, R., &Bialowolski, P. (2024). Longitudinal reciprocal associations between volunteering, health and well-being: Evidence for middle-aged and older adults in europe. European Journal of Public Health, 34(3), 473-481. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae014
- Jenkinson, C. E., Dickens, A. P., Jones, K., Thompson-Coon, J., Taylor, R. S., Rogers, M., . . . Richards, S. H. (2013). Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health, 13, 773.doi:https://doi .org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-773
- .Bansi, D., Petkari, E., Sánchez-Gutiérrez, T., & Pinto da Costa, M. (2025). A systematic review of how volunteering relates to job satisfaction and job performance. Discover Psychology, 5(1), 90. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-025-00403-x
