How Giving Back Benefits Your Mental and Physical Health – A Strategic Insight for HR and People Leaders
Giving Back Isn’t Just Good for Others—It’s Good for You Too
We often associate giving back—through volunteering, mentorship, or community initiatives—with generosity and purpose. But here’s what many don’t realise:
Giving back can have a powerful impact on your own wellbeing.
As HR Managers and Chief People & Culture Officers, you’re uniquely positioned to embed this truth into your workplace wellbeing strategy. Because when people are supported to give back meaningfully, they not only create impact beyond the business—they also experience measurable mental and physical health benefits.
The Science Behind Why Giving Feels So Good
Multiple studies have shown that acts of generosity activate the brain’s reward and pleasure centres, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
The result?
Reduced stress
Increased feelings of happiness and connection
A stronger sense of purpose
Even lower rates of depression and anxiety
But the benefits aren’t just emotional—they’re physiological too.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that people who regularly volunteer show lower blood pressure and longer lifespans. Altruism literally improves your heart health.
How Giving Back Enhances Workplace Wellbeing
For busy professionals, especially leaders and people managers, giving back can often fall to the bottom of the list. But when built into workplace culture, it becomes a powerful lever for both engagement and resilience.
Benefits of giving back in the workplace:
Boosted morale: Employees feel proud to work for a purpose-led organisation
Improved mental health: Helping others reduces stress and boosts mood
Stronger connection: Teams bond through shared, meaningful experiences
Reduced burnout: Purpose acts as a buffer against disengagement
Enhanced employer brand: Attract and retain values-driven talent
Ways HR and People Leaders Can Embed Giving into Culture
You don’t need a massive CSR budget to make giving back a reality. Start small. Start intentionally.
Here’s how:
1. Offer Volunteer Days or “Give Back” Leave
Provide paid time off for employees to volunteer with causes they care about. This small investment can lead to huge returns in wellbeing, loyalty, and social impact.
2. Create Team-Based Volunteering Opportunities
Organise quarterly volunteer days where teams can support local charities, community gardens, or food banks. It's a chance to reconnect outside the office—and do meaningful work together.
3. Integrate Giving Into Learning and Development
Encourage mentorship programs, pro bono skills-sharing, or coaching in underserved communities. Helping others grow is one of the most fulfilling forms of giving.
4. Celebrate Stories of Impact
Showcase employees who are making a difference—in newsletters, internal comms, or town halls. This reinforces a culture of contribution and inspires others to follow suit.
5. Make Giving Personal, Not Just Corporate
Invite employees to share the causes they care about. You can even create a “Giving Wall” (virtual or physical) to highlight diverse passions and inspire workplace campaigns.
The most powerful cultures aren’t built on KPIs alone. They’re built on purpose, connection, and care.
When leaders model generosity—not just in policy, but in action—they create ripple effects that uplift teams, strengthen communities, and nurture individual wellbeing.
Giving back isn’t a distraction from business goals.
It’s a direct path to healthier, happier, more resilient workplaces.