In a Workplace Slump? Get out of the Office and Start Giving Back

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking time off work can actually make you a better employee. Working the same hours and doing the same tasks day in and day out can lead to employee burnout, sometimes all you need is a little change up to clear your mind and get back on track.

However, what you do in your time off can make or break how beneficial it is to you as an employee. Sure, it would be nice to avoid all responsibilities and just lay on your bed and watch Netflix all day, but that’s not necessarily going to give you the clarity you need when you go back to work.

Volunteer work is obviously a great way to give back to the community, but even more, it can help you improve yourself. When you find a cause you’re passionate about, volunteer work doesn’t feel like work at all. This will help you make meaning out of your time away from work and allow you to come back feeling better than ever.

Many companies recognize the importance of giving their employees time to give back. That’s why several employers offer some form of volunteer time off in their contracts to encourage workers to take a break to get out in the community.

Companies such as Google, Cisco, Deloitte, and Hyatt to name a few offer millions of volunteer time off hours to their employee base which can translate into a monetary cost of up to $95 million. Overall, VTO is most common in the professional services, information technology, and financial services and insurance industries.

Jumping into the nonprofit world can be overwhelming if you don’t already have a go-to charity you’ve spent time with. However, most nonprofit organizations are actively seeking volunteers and would love to have your time and efforts.

There is an endless amount of nonprofits in need of volunteers, meaning finding one that matches your passions and interests should be easy. There are also countless opportunities in different positions allowing you to find a role that perfectly plays to your strengths – not all volunteer work is the heavy lifting, manual labor that stereotypically comes to mind.

At the end of the day, giving back can help your happiness and confidence in indescribable ways. These selfless acts of kindness are much appreciated and do not go unnoticed. If your company offers VTO, take advantage of it and you’ll be glad you did.