The gift of giving

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Kahlil Gibran

You would expect that I would write a blog at this time of year about the importance of giving – Christmas is everywhere, especially at RedBalloon. However here’s a thought: One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time, and when you do, you will experience a euphoria, which is very good for your own wellbeing.

Basically when you give – you get. This has long been documented as part of the five elements of wellbeing outlined by the New Economic Forum; but here are some statistics that I just discovered: A 2006 report found that adult Australians who volunteer has increased from 24% in 1995 to 58%. Being a volunteer is incredibly good for your health (as well as the recipient). It has been referred to as “the helpers high”, which is the sense of satisfaction and comfort that is created from knowing that you have done something to assist another human being.

Professor Stephen G Post tells us “focusing on others causes a shift from our unhealthy preoccupation with ourselves and reduces the stress-related wear and tear on our body and soul.”

Giving doesn’t need to be extravagant or formal – but it does need to be regular to have ongoing benefits to your wellbeing. A simple visit to the local retirement home for a game of scrabble, or reading in a classroom at the local pre-school would do the trick.

Here are some facts:

• Regular volunteers will live longer.
• Volunteers are less likely to experience depression, and they are more satisfied with life.
• People who spend on others are happier – than when they spend it on themselves.

So perhaps this year you could put on your Christmas wish list – “half a day every month to volunteer in my community” – and you will be the better for it.

As Winston Churchill famously said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blog and is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.