The art of giving back

It feels good to do good. Whether we’re volunteering, donating to a cause close to our hearts or supporting a social enterprise, the act of giving back can feel like the emotional equivalent of a warm hug.

But in a world where we’re often stretched—financially, emotionally and logistically—how can we find an equilibrium that allows us to support both our own needs and the needs of others? When volunteering, how do we balance the “me” and the “we” in our lives, without burning ourselves out?

We spoke to an expert to discover the benefits of volunteering and how to make it work for you.

How “giving back” supports our wellbeing

Research from the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index—an almost 25-year study into the wellbeing of Australians, conducted in partnership with Deakin University—shows a strong link between volunteering and wellbeing.

This comes as no surprise to Danielle Chapman, General Manager of Fundraising, Marketing, and Advocacy at Royal Far West, an Australian Unity charity partner that’s dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of country children.

“When you connect to a cause and feel like you’re contributing, it creates a sense of purpose and fulfilment,” she says. “We actually researched this, and found that volunteering is associated with better life satisfaction, improved happiness and higher self-esteem.”

The benefits don’t stop there. Volunteering helps build social connections and a sense of community, which are crucial to our wellbeing.

“The rewards of volunteering are especially pronounced for older people transitioning into retirement and seeking a greater purpose,” says Danielle. “And it has also been shown to improve mental health among people experiencing low levels of life satisfaction, unemployment, or chronic health conditions.”

Setting clear boundaries

While the benefits of volunteering are clear, it can sometimes lead to issues such as burnout, especially for those who are deeply passionate about their cause.

“People who are really closely aligned with a mission or an organisation often go above and beyond in their efforts,” explains Danielle. “And without appropriate boundaries, the emotional toll of volunteering can outweigh the benefits.”

She stresses the importance of setting clear goals when volunteering, managing your expectations, and recognising that you are part of a collective effort.

“You’re not going to solve the entire problem yourself, but every contribution—big or small—makes a difference,” she says.

She notes that charities and not-for-profits often have systems in place to support volunteers who are feeling overwhelmed, so make sure you ask about any Employee Assistance Programs or free counselling services.

Remember, too, that volunteering doesn’t have to consume all your free time to be fulfilling. In fact, Australian Unity Wellbeing Index data shows that part-time volunteers have even greater satisfaction than full-time volunteers across all seven “domains”, or areas, of wellbeing.

So, be realistic about your availability and the role you can play. Whether it's volunteering for a few hours each month, setting up a regular donation or participating in one-off events, it’s important to balance your volunteering commitments with your other responsibilities and priorities.

Volunteering through your work

Many companies—including Australian Unity—now encourage their employees to give back through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs, Danielle says. This may include offering time off for volunteering, making it easier to integrate into your busy schedule.

These kinds of policies boost employee wellbeing, and support team bonding, brand reputation and employee retention, Danielle points out. So, if your company doesn’t offer a CSR program, she suggests advocating for one.

“Consumers are requiring organisations to contribute to society, and employees want to work for companies that align with their values,” she says. “So it’s very much in the interest of your organisation to make these opportunities available.”

Finding the right fit

Perhaps Danielle’s number-one tip for sustaining your volunteering efforts is to find a cause or organisation that truly aligns with your values.

“If you’re passionate about the cause, you’re more likely to find meaning in your contributions and balance it with your life,” she explains. “And when you’re engaged in work that resonates with your values, you’re more likely to feel satisfied and fulfilled without becoming overwhelmed.”

If you’re unsure where to start, look for causes that connect with your personal interests or explore opportunities through your employer. Your company might already have partnerships with specific charities, making it easy to get involved.

You can also consider using your professional skills—such as marketing, coding or financial expertise—to support an organisation in need, Danielle says.

However you do it, volunteering offers significant emotional, psychological and social benefits. And by setting boundaries, finding causes that resonate, and making the most of workplace opportunities, you can give back in a way that enhances rather than detracts from your own wellbeing.

As Danielle reminds us: “Giving back shouldn’t overwhelm you. With the right balance, you can make a difference and still have time for what matters most."