PR Newswire·Sep 16, 2026, 10:07 AM ET

Is Volunteering Good for Your Health? New Research From The Cigna Group Finds a Strong Connection

The Cigna Group's fifth annual Vitality in America report reveals that volunteers are nearly twice as likely to report high vitality compared to non-volunteers.
Volunteers reported higher average vitality scores of 76.7 out of 100, whereas non-volunteers scored 68.4.
Individuals who volunteered in the past year reported better physical health (55% vs. 42%) & mental health (57% vs. 49%) than those who did not volunteer.
Volunteers showed stronger community belonging (62% vs. 42%), greater resilience (59% vs. 45%), & a stronger sense of purpose (66% vs. 45%).
Employees participating in employer-supported volunteer activities were more likely to express workplace pride (80% vs. 58%) & go above & beyond for their company (79% vs. 59%).
Only 27% of employees reported having access to volunteer opportunities during work hours, yet 49% of those without access stated they would participate if offered.
The Cigna Group launched a new Return on Volunteerism tool to measure economic, health, & skills-based value generated through service.
In 2025, The Cigna Group employees contributed nearly 114,000 volunteer hours, generating an estimated $7.1 million in economic value.
Employee volunteer hours increased by approximately 30% year-over-year in 2025.
The report methodology involved an online survey of 5,000 U.S. adults conducted between June 2 & July 14, 2026.