JOEM: Volunteering Improves Employee Health and Organizational Outcomes Through (May 2022)-JOEM: Volunteering Improves Employee Health and Organizational Outcomes Through (May 2022)

JOEM: Volunteering Improves Employee Health and Organizational Outcomes Through (May 2022)

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The study conducted by Jeffrey Pfeffer, Sara Singer, and Martin Stepanek explores the consequences of employee volunteering and the psychological mechanisms that underlie these effects. Using data from over 50,000 responses to Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey, the researchers found that volunteering is associated with better self-reported health, reduced risk of depression, and higher levels of engagement and satisfaction. These positive outcomes were partly explained by the fact that volunteering increases interpersonal social bonding and greater identification with employers. As a result, the researchers suggest that employers should sponsor volunteer activities and provide workplace flexibility to promote the well-being of their employees and enhance pro-employer outcomes such as engagement and job satisfaction. <br /><br />The study highlights the benefits of volunteering for individuals' physical and mental well-being. Previous research has indicated that volunteering has protective effects on mental and physical health and positive effects on life satisfaction, self-esteem, and achievement. Company-sponsored volunteer programs, in particular, have become popular and are seen as part of a corporation's social responsibility initiatives. These programs can have positive effects on attitudes and behavior towards the organization. <br /><br />The study also addresses the possible mechanisms through which volunteering affects outcomes. It suggests that volunteering improves employee well-being by strengthening social bonding and fostering identification with the employer. These social connections are important for mitigating the effects of stress and increasing social support. Social bonding with coworkers and identification with the employer can lead to higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting both employees and organizations. <br /><br />The findings of this study have implications for employers and employees. Employers can sponsor volunteer activities and provide workplace flexibility to support employee well-being and enhance pro-employer outcomes. Employees can benefit from participating in volunteer activities and advocating for volunteering opportunities within their organizations. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of volunteering in improving employee health and organizational outcomes through social bonding and identification with employers.

Keywords

employee volunteering

psychological mechanisms

self-reported health

risk of depression

levels of engagement

job satisfaction

interpersonal social bonding

identification with employers

workplace flexibility

well-being