Volunteering boots self-confidence and improves mental health of employees

A survey conducted by InterCement, the second largest cement company in Brazil, with over 1,500 employees in managerial and operational positions, identified benefits such as greater engagement and trust and development of skills in volunteer activities.

InterCement is a reference in volunteer work. The company mobilized 37% of more than 6,000 employees in 2019 worldwide. For almost a decade, it has been implementing volunteer actions through the InterCement Institute. These are mobilizing and social impact projects to develop communities in nine Brazilian states and four other countries (South Africa, Argentina, Egypt and Mozambique where it is present).

Below are the main results of the survey:

– 90% of respondents said their self-confidence had improved

– For 75%, mental health had improved (less anxiety, depression and/or stress)

– 87% of survey respondents stated that they developed both technical skills – planning, people, resource and time management, project management, and fundraising – and behavioral skills – leadership, communication, networking, the ability to motivate others, resolution of problems and teamwork

– 89% indicated that they relate better to their co-workers

– 86% feel more engaged with the work since they started volunteering

– 85% said the program gave them the opportunity to give examples of important values for their children

– 88% perceived a greater sense of engagement with other residents of their community

The research, entitled “Impact and value of corporate volunteering: learning from the InterCement Volunteer Program”, was developed by researcher Frances Hansford, Phd from Oxford University.

The results were presented in the Bem Fazer webinar, an online event of the InterCement Institute to celebrate International Volunteer Day.

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