Who Wants To Work For Free

Who wants to work for free?  At face value, pretty much everyone would probably say no.  Giving up your own time and not getting paid?  That won’t help with the gas bill in winter in the slightest.  However, volunteering brings many other kinds of benefits; admittedly if you’re only interested in money then it might not be for you (but it might be…more on this later).  Volunteering is not an altruistic act; even donating all your spare time has a degree of selfishness in it.  People usually don’t do anything unless they get something out of it, it just doesn’t have to be financial gains.  One of the biggest reasons for volunteering, and why some stick at it for so long, is the feeling of satisfaction you get.  It is knowing that you have made a difference, no matter how small, and made someone’s day just that little bit better.  There is nothing to do with money here, this is simply helping others out.  Maybe it’s because you have received similar help and want to give back, or just want to do something productive in any spare time, either way, you get something out of it.  As much as volunteering isn’t about the money, it can lead to employment, usually in a similar field.  Volunteering is perfect for getting back to work, developing new skills, or trying out a different career with limited commitment.  Frequently, when vacancies arise, they are offered to internal volunteers.  You come with all the experience of the field and organisation – ideal to a recruiter.

Volunteering benefits those who are on the receiving end.  Whether it’s simply having tea and cake with elderly people, walking dogs, or donating your professional skills for free, it will be a huge help to someone.  There is essentially endless ways people benefit from having a volunteer, whether it’s company during the winter months when they are housebound, help getting to and from appointments, or sorting out practical issues like finances.  It is this aspect that makes it rewarding and satisfying.  You go home at the end of the day feeling good, knowing someone in the world is better off for you being there.

The organisations that recruit volunteers also benefit.  Although not paying for a member of staff (volunteers shouldn’t replace paid employees), volunteers require training, supervision and further opportunities.  This must come from a manager’s time – so why do it?  The answer is simple – it increases the capacity of the workforce, particularly at a time when funding might be limited.  It enables organisations to give something back to the community, and up skill local individuals.

Clearly, volunteering is beneficial for all parties involved.  It can make a huge difference to vulnerable individuals, which is always satisfying.  Volunteering can be as big or small task as you make it; it can vary from simply proofreading a student’s essay, to essentially volunteering full time.  It can be done at home, work, out in the garden, through the night, pretty much whenever suits.  There are many websites out there that match up potential volunteers with organisations looking for people – go have a look and do something good today!