National Employee Benefits Day 2026: Caring in Action Through Volunteering

National Employee Benefits Day (NEBD), established and celebrated annually by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits, is a time to recognize benefits professionals and the work they do to protect people’s health and finances while improving work-life balance and overall well-being. This year’s theme, “Caring in Action: Strengthening Communities Through Organizational Volunteer Initiatives,” highlights how the care benefits professionals provide extends beyond the workplace and into the community.

Recognizing these efforts is particularly important in today’s rapidly changing environment, where employee well-being and job satisfaction play a significant role in engagement and retention. Employees want to work for an organization where they feel valued, supported, and cared for. They also want to feel purposeful and like they have a direct impact on the company mission, according to Gallup. One way organizations can address these needs is by implementing an employee volunteer program, which can align employees with the company’s values and provide them with meaningful opportunities to give back. Volunteer programs can reinforce the idea that supporting others creates stronger, more connected communities.

Employee Volunteer Programs

Employee volunteer programs, also known as corporate volunteer programs, are initiatives that are planned and managed by company leadership, typically through partnerships with local nonprofits that align with the organization’s values, as defined by United Way. Employees are encouraged to volunteer by offering incentives like dedicated time off to support meaningful causes.

Volunteering and Employee Well-Being

Research from the International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations (VOLUNTAS) shows that volunteering can benefit physical and mental health. It enhances quality of life by increasing feelings of pride, empowerment, motivation, and self-efficacy. Volunteering also reduces depression and provides a greater sense of purpose, specifically when the focus is on helping others. Additionally, it cultivates social connections and support, further improving overall well-being. These findings demonstrate that volunteering supports well-being in meaningful ways across key areas including mental health, physical health, social health, and job satisfaction and engagement.

• Mental health: Volunteering provides employees with a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, according to the Mayo Clinic. These positive emotional effects can help reduce stress and may contribute to improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall mental health. Volunteering also offers employees a helpful way to manage stress by stepping away from daily work demands and focusing on a meaningful, shared goal. Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mental Illness (NAMI) further links volunteering to reduced stress, increased happiness, and greater self-confidence.
• Physical health: Many volunteer opportunities encourage physical activity and movement. The increase in activity along with the reduction of stress can lower the risk of some health concerns such as heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Research also shows that those who regularly volunteer as part of their routine have lower mortality rates compared to those who do not volunteer.
• Social health: According to research highlighted by the Greater Good Magazine, nearly one in three people in the United States reports feeling lonely each week. Building trusted connections isn’t always easy, but volunteering offers a way to foster meaningful relationships. By providing consistency, positivity, and opportunities for vulnerability, volunteering helps create social connections and strengthens community.
• Job satisfaction and engagement: Volunteering through employee volunteer programs provides a unique opportunity to engage in teamwork, communication, and problem solving outside of the typical workplace setting. Employees can also apply skills such as project management, critical thinking, and creativity in new ways that may differ from their professional roles. Employees who engage in volunteer opportunities through work report being 43% more satisfied with their jobs than those who do not volunteer, and they are twice as likely to recommend their employer to those who are in the job market. Those who volunteer report feeling more fulfilled, more engaged, and as though they have more opportunities to grow professionally within the organization.

Consider these ideas if you are thinking about implementing a volunteer program in your organization.

• Align volunteer opportunities with company values and employee interests to make them meaningful.
• Establish partnerships with local nonprofits to deepen the connection with the community.
• Offer volunteer opportunities at times that fit employees’ schedules, or consider a policy offering paid time off for volunteering.
• Promote the volunteer program by clearly communicating the opportunities and helping employees understand how to participate.

This National Employee Benefits Day, explore how volunteering can enhance employee well-being, foster a more engaged and satisfied workforce, and create stronger connections within the community. Learn more here. 

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  Ashton Sholund

  Wellness Content and Information Specialist

  Wellness Alliance

  As a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the Wellness Alliance, Ashton is passionate about supporting employee well-being and advancing workplace wellness initiatives. With over 12 years of experience as a certified health coach, Ashton has worked extensively in the worksite wellness sector, empowering individuals and organizations to prioritize health and create sustainable wellness strategies. Outside of work, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club to nurture both her physical and mental well-being.