Volunteer work helps the transition from employee to retiree

According to a new report, taking part in volunteer work is helpful for easing the transition from employment to retirement.

Findings show that volunteering offers so much more than just social interaction; it gives people a sense of purpose too.

Carried out by researchers Paula Steinhoff, Lea Ellwardt and Maya Wermeyer from the Institute for Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS) at the University of Cologne, the study looked into the effects of volunteering on a person’s wellbeing.

Researchers interviewed people aged between 40-80 over a 12-month period.

For many of the respondents, the sense of purpose that came with volunteering has helped them to transition from employment to retirement.

The results also suggested that promoting low-threshold volunteering can be an effective strategy for improving a person’s mental health and social cohesion, especially for those who are middle-aged and older.

Lea Ellwardt commented, “One participant has already planned to join an additional volunteer organisation on retirement in order to feel useful in retirement.

“The participant said, ‘Because when I retire, I want to be active. So, if I do more for the world, it ultimately makes me feel good.’”

To find out more about contracting, please contact Sophie on 01206 591 000 or email sophie.lewis@contractoumbrella.com.