Volunteerism has long been viewed as a way to strengthen communities, support nonprofits, and help people in need. The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research suggests it may also be a powerful way to strengthen workforce health, engagement, and resilience.

The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research is the company’s fifth annual and latest study of Vitality in America – which found that people who volunteer report substantially higher vitality, a measure of an individual’s ability to pursue life with health, strength, and energy.

The findings suggest employee volunteerism is associated with stronger workplace outcomes, from job satisfaction and productivity to employee pride and retention.

“At a time when many employers are focused on strengthening culture, improving employee experience, and supporting workforce well-being, volunteerism may offer an opportunity to advance all three,” said Sara Quist, senior director of community programs and president of The Cigna Group Foundation. 

What is the key takeaway from The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research?

The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research found that volunteers report significantly higher vitality than non-volunteers. People who volunteered in the past year have an average Evernorth Vitality Index (EVI) score of 76.7 out of 100, compared with 68.4 for those who did not volunteer.

Volunteers outscore non-volunteers across all eight dimensions of health that contribute to vitality. This indicates that the difference is not solely driven by health status but also by how individuals approach and experience their overall well-being. The gap is especially pronounced in three areas: physical health, sense of purpose, and outlook on life.

“People are more likely to thrive when they feel connected, engaged, and able to make a meaningful impact, and volunteering can help create those conditions.” Dr. Stuart Lustig, national medical executive for behavioral health strategy and product design at Cigna Healthcare.

Why should employers pay attention to vitality and volunteerism?

Past research on Vitality in America has consistently found that people with high vitality bring qualities to work that strengthen the entire organization. They are more productive, more engaged, and better equipped to handle the demands of their roles. The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research shows that when employers encourage volunteerism, the benefits can extend even further, with positive effects on performance, retention, and recruiting.

Employees who participate in employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities, such as events held during work hours or dedicated paid time off for volunteering, report a stronger commitment to helping their organization succeed and a greater ability to stay mentally focused at work. They also report significantly higher levels of pride in their employer, a key driver of retention.

Employer-sponsored volunteerism may also help employers stand out in a competitive hiring market.

Nearly half of Gen Z employees believe volunteering is important and that individuals have a responsibility to support their communities. More than half say they want to work for a company that makes a difference in the community. As employers compete for talent, opportunities to give back may help reinforce organizational values and differentiate workplace culture.

What opportunities might employers be missing when it comes to employee volunteerism?  

Despite the benefits, only a minority of employees have access to employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities. Only about 4 in 10 employees say their employer offers any type of volunteer opportunity. Just 27% report having access to volunteer opportunities during work hours, and only 23% have access to dedicated paid time off for volunteering.

Employee interest in volunteering, however, is strong. Among employees who were offered employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities, 6 in 10 participated. Many employees who were not offered opportunities also said they would participate if given the chance. For employers looking to strengthen engagement, company culture, and workforce well-being, the gap between employee interest and access to volunteer events or programs represents a meaningful opportunity.

“The desire to give back already exists in the workforce,” said Quist.  “Employers have an opportunity to make it easier for employees to act on it.”

How can employers invest in workforce vitality through employee volunteerism?

Volunteerism is associated with stronger vitality, while employer-sponsored volunteerism may help employers strengthen workforce engagement, connection, and well-being by taking the following steps:

• Make employee volunteerism part of your total rewards strategy: Incorporate employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities into benefits, recognition, and professional development programs to make giving back a visible and valued part of workplace culture.
• Get employees excited about volunteering: Highlight the personal, professional, and community benefits of employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities through employee stories, manager support, and tools that illustrate impact.
• Use tools such as the Return on Volunteerism tool to help employees understand the value of their contributions
• Make it easy to participate: Offer flexible employer-sponsored volunteer options and clear pathways to get involved so employees can participate in ways that fit their interests, skills, and schedules.

Why employee volunteerism is a workforce strategy worth considering

The Cigna Group’s Vitality and Volunteerism research suggests employer-sponsored volunteerism can create meaningful value within the workplace by supporting well-being, strengthening connections, and fostering greater engagement. For employers looking to build a healthier, more connected workforce, helping employees give back may be a practical place to start.