Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for businesses and employees to give back to the community. By volunteering for nonprofits and groups that support specific populations and needs, you are assisting the individuals these organizations serve and contribute positively to the broader community.

Community service also provides unintended benefits for businesses, employees, and individuals who choose to volunteer their time. Here's a look at the importance of giving back and the reward you and your business could reap by stepping up as a volunteer.

Improves Mental and Physical Health

Volunteering feels good, but research shows that it can also benefit one's physical and mental health.

"Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine," explains a Mayo Clinic Health System blog.

"By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect."

Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness, the post adds.

Employee Empowerment

Employees feel better about where they work and themselves when they are supported and encouraged to give back to the community, including volunteerism.

"Employees feel empowered when they can contribute to causes close to their hearts," writes Business News Daily senior writer Jordan Bishop.

That's particularly true for Gen Z and millennial employees, who report a strong need to balance work lives with a drive for societal change, according to Deloitte's Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. "They're drawn to businesses that allow them to be of service to the community."

"In return, employees will feel a heightened level of commitment to their company and team, offering substantial growth and development opportunities for both,"  the BND article says.

Overall, employees who participate in volunteerism benefit from higher morale and an increase in overall happiness, which can lead to increased productivity, explains the post, which cites additional research pointing to the mental health benefits of volunteerism. 

Consider checking with employees to see if they have a particular nonprofit or cause that needs your company's group effort. See if any of them match up with the needs of your community and your business goals. Or, choose a broader scope for your volunteerism, such as helping the environment.

If you're looking for ways your small business and employees can give back to the community, check out this blog for more ideas. 

Helps Build Reputation 

Volunteerism can also help entrepreneurs and new businesses build their reputation and relationships in a community, as it provides opportunities for networking and building relationships with potential customers, clients, and partners.

"It can also help businesses develop a good reputation and visibility in the community, leading to more customers and clients," says a post by SCORE.

Promotes Your Business

Your willingness to donate your time and skills to causes in need can also benefit your business by serving as a marketing tool.

By giving back, you're creating a strong tie to customers and potential customers. Research shows that consumers prefer to shop and buy at businesses that support a cause they care about.

Here are five reasons your business should make giving back part of your marketing strategy.

Also, corporate volunteerism and philanthropy have been growing. See why more businesses are making giving back a priority.