Why volunteering is good for your brain – and your business

Tradies have always been first to put their hand up when things go wrong – whether that be floods, fires, or just a neighbour in need. Whatever the emergency, the sector’s on hand to help – it’s in our DNA. And while we know our good deeds help the recipient, did you know it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your own head too?

Fact: mental health in the trades is a serious conversation. Tradies are six times more likely to die from suicide than a workplace accident, and three times more likely to commit suicide than the average Australian. We’re faced with a seemingly endless juggle (of both roles and tasks – trying to run a business and be on the tools), work long, often isolated hours and when things do get tough, struggle with emotional expression (you know it’s true).

Enter volunteering. It’s actually scientifically proven to make you feel good because it releases mood-boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin – ultimately reducing stress, anxiety and depression while boosting happiness. Often referred to as a ‘helper’s high’, it’s this feeling that also serves up a strong sense of purpose, builds self esteem and strengthens social connections.

So since putting our hand up is in our blood, and the science says it will make you feel good, why not step the volunteering vibes up a notch? Whether it’s running the BBQ at the footy club or fixing a sensor light for the local CWA, it’s these seemingly small moves that get you out of your own head and into the community. We all need connection – need being the key word there.

This isn’t a ‘nice to have’; spending time with other humans and doing something good is crucial for your mental health. What’s more, it’s also good for business.

Dig a hole, serve some sangers

It’s true, volunteering in your community is a gamechanger when it comes to building brand awareness. In local towns, people hire people they know, like and trust, and while we’re not suggesting you volunteer to get work, the work comes from volunteering.

Think about it. You and your team members are spotted digging holes at the school working bee, sorting out the electrics at the Sunday market, or serving snag sangers at literally any local sporting event. That’s the stuff that gets noticed, the stuff that gets you out of the house and makes you feel good inside. That’s the stuff that leads to people trusting you with their house keys.

But remember, committing to volunteering doesn’t mean committing to big hours. You don’t need to join a board that demands 10 hours a week. Instead stick to doing little things throughout your day, week, month, year, whenever works best for you that make you feel good.

That could mean doing a quick safety check for an elderly neighbour, offering one Saturday a year to help a local charity with their test and tag, or even mentoring a teen who’s struggling at school. Showing them the ropes of the trade will undoubtedly release the warm and fuzzies, not to mention offer the teen a lifeline at an otherwise difficult time.

Of course, we can’t always predict when help will be needed. When disaster hits, local communities need electrical contractors pronto – like these real-life accounts from sparkies who helped their communities in their time of need. When those times arise, take inspiration from these guys and step up if finances and logistics permit.

Say yes, where you can

Keep those last words front of mind – ‘if finances and logistics permit’ – there’s no need to add extra pressure to your already busy workload. But, where possible, lending a hand comes at no cost. It’s an investment in your town, your community, yourself and your business’s rep.

So next time someone asks for a hand, say yes.

We bet you get more out of it than they do.

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