The District Magazine Vol. 2 Issue 5, Winter 2017-18 | Page 27

Increasingly, companies are realizing
that part of this big picture is giving
their employees the opportunity to
volunteer for worthy causes, even
paying them to do so. These efforts
can lead to some serious collective
gains. For example, according to
The Health of America - Community
Investment Report, employees from
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS)
volunteered more than 400,000
hours and donated over $11 million
in 2016 alone.
Individual efforts really do add
up. Whatever way you decide to
give back, here are some of the
enormous personal benefits that
come with volunteering.
Transformation.
Giving
back
transforms your life and the people
you are helping in a positive way.
Teaches us humility, gratefulness
and provides the ability to
remember the world is much bigger
than our own issues.
Productivity. Many would like to
volunteer but just don't have the
time. Who doesn't want to take a
little time off and get away from
their busy lifestyle and just relax? In
a way, volunteering can help you do
just that. According to a study in the
Harvard Business Review, helping
or giving your time to others can
make you feel like you have more
time, and in turn, make you a more
productive worker.
Health. Many studies have found
that people who regularly volunteer
tend to lead healthier lives and have
a reduced risk of heart disease. The
jury is still out as to why exactly this
is, but giving back to others seems
to reduce stress, build confidence
and increase a person's sense of
satisfaction. These psychological
factors play an enormous role in our
physical health.
While they help create connections
and build community, volunteers
also get a huge amount of personal
benefits from their work. Better
health, a sense of satisfaction and
joy that comes with helping others
is only a few of the reasons why
people love to give their time to
others.
Community. In our digital age
when everyone is engrossed in their
smartphones and seem to be locked
in their own world, connecting with
others - whether it's those in need or
other volunteers - is more important
than ever. Unplugging from our
hectic world and volunteering
teaches the value of community.
Family. When you are provided
the opportunity to take a day or
two off to volunteer, invite friends
and family to come along. The
reason is simple; coming together
to do something for others is an
incredible bonding experience and
can strengthen relationships.
THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE
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