The Value of Giving Back

Giving back boosts our mood, makes us feel more connected to others, and can even reduce stress and anxiety. The holiday season is filled with so many opportunities to give, from volunteering as an elf at the local mall to collecting canned food for a food bank as part of a company campaign.

Giving back during the holidays–or any time of year–feels good, not just because it’s nice to do something selfless and kind, but because giving has scientifically verified benefits for your own well-being. It doesn’t just make you feel good about yourself, it improves your mental and physical health! Having a corporate social responsibility CSR program can also do wonders for your business. 

Here are some ways that giving makes us happier and healthier and why having CSR initiatives is good for your company:

Giving is Good for Your Mental Health

Research has shown that people who regularly engage in acts of kindness have higher levels of mental health and improved mood. The stress reduction that comes from giving can make you less susceptible to some mental health conditions. There are even studies showing that giving can boost your mood and reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Giving is Good for Your Physical Health

The mental health benefits of giving are clear; however, there’s also scientific evidence that giving has physical health benefits as well. In fact, studies have shown that giving can reduce blood pressure and improve your immune system. 

The joy and smiles that come from a day of giving can also lower your stress. So next time you feel uncertain about the health benefits you’re reaping from your charitable efforts, smile and know that you’re also being good yourself.

People Who Help Others Are Happier

When you’re kind to others, you feel good about yourself and your day-to-day life. This can help you better cope with any challenges you face in life, whether they’re big or small. When you regularly help others, you build stronger relationships with family, friends, and even people you don’t know. 

Volunteering Can Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Many people turn to volunteering to reduce their stress and anxiety. Why? Simply put, your brain can’t worry about two things at once. The more attention you give to something, the less attention you give to something else. So when you’re volunteering, you’re devoting your attention to your cause and not to the stresses in your life.

When you’re volunteering, you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone and interact with people you don’t know. This can build confidence and it can help you manage your anxiety. The confidence formed from regularly confronting anxiety may reduce it’s impact on your day-to-day life.

Giving Feels Good Because It Increases Your Sense of Purpose

We all need to feel that our lives have meaning and that we are valued members of society. Giving regularly helps you meet this need by giving you a sense of purpose and letting you know you are valued by others. When you give back to your community, you feel more connected to others and more appreciated for the things that you do.

Giving regularly can even help you meet your needs for self-esteem, autonomy, and relatedness. When you regularly give, you know that you’re making a real difference in other people’s lives.  

CSR Helps Build a Stronger Company Culture

One reason businesses should implement CSR practices is that doing so can help build a stronger company culture. Employees who take part in charitable events at the workplace are more likely to form strong connections with their colleagues, which can lead to greater employee satisfaction, higher levels of employee retention, and higher overall productivity. When employees are satisfied with their jobs, they are more likely to stay with the company for a long time.

CSR initiatives also help with employment branding to attract talent. By prioritizing CSR, businesses can create a positive impact on society and make the world a better place while improving company culture.  

If you are a company leader, it is important to note that implementing CSR activities is not something that happens overnight. It takes time to research and choose the right organizations to partner with, and it takes time for those organizations to see results.

However, if you are willing to make the investment, there are many benefits to be gained by implementing a CSR program. We can help you! We offer a variety of holiday programs and activities all year round so your team can have fun while helping others.

You can learn more about our services or request a quote here.