Indian Professionals Embrace Volunteering Amid Work Strain

The landscape of the Indian workforce is shifting as professionals grapple with increasing demands and a sense of disconnection. A recent study revealed that more than 50 percent of Indian employees operate in what they describe as “survival mode.” This finding reflects a broader trend where the pressures of modern work have led to heightened feelings of exhaustion and anxiety. Yet, paradoxically, India boasts one of the highest volunteering participation rates globally, with 31 percent of its workforce actively engaging in volunteer activities, far surpassing the global median of 22.2 percent, according to the Goodera 2025 Report.

Understanding the Workforce’s Paradox

To comprehend this contradiction, it is essential to explore the changing dynamics within Indian workplaces. The rise of technology has blurred the lines between personal and professional life, contributing to a pervasive sense of unease. Economic pressures, such as a rising cost of living that has outstripped wage growth, have intensified financial anxieties. Additionally, the trend of migration for work and the decline of traditional family structures have eroded vital support systems.

As professionals navigate these challenges, they find themselves trapped in what psychologists describe as an “identity vacuum.” This term refers to the dissonance between the identities workers aspire to and the realities they face under relentless pressure. With many young professionals living apart from their families and forming fewer enduring friendships, the expectation grows for workplaces to provide the sense of community that society once offered. When these expectations are unmet, many turn to volunteering as a source of fulfillment.

The Appeal of Volunteering

Volunteering emerges as a powerful antidote to the alienation experienced in corporate environments. It provides a sense of purpose, connection, and tangible impact—elements that are often absent in commercial work. The Goodera 2025 Report found that Indian workers are particularly drawn to three primary causes: education, environment, and community welfare, which collectively make up 77 percent of all volunteering efforts. These are not just abstract concepts; they are areas where participants can see and measure the difference their contributions make.

During times of crisis, such as floods or health emergencies, volunteering rates tend to spike, emphasizing its role as a means of re-humanizing the workplace. In an environment dominated by metrics and outputs, the act of helping others can restore a sense of agency that is increasingly lacking in corporate cultures.

While volunteering can provide respite, there is a risk that organizations may misuse it as a superficial solution to deeper issues. If companies regard volunteering merely as a low-cost way to boost morale, it risks becoming an additional chore on an already overwhelming to-do list. For volunteering to be genuinely impactful, certain fundamentals must be prioritized, including manageable workloads, fair compensation, and a leadership approach that acknowledges stress rather than glossing over it.

To implement effective volunteering initiatives, organizations should consider the findings from the Goodera 2025 Report. Companies that offer Volunteering Time Off (VTO) or provide financial support for volunteer activities witness participation rates soar from 21 percent to an impressive 52 percent. This indicates a clear message: employees are eager to contribute if given the time and resources to do so.

Experts recommend integrating volunteering into work schedules, rather than relegating it to breaks or personal time. This approach not only enhances workplace culture but also allows organizations to harness the positive dynamics observed in volunteer settings to enrich their internal environments.

The surge in volunteering among Indian professionals signifies more than a trend; it reflects a workforce striving for meaning in their lives. Despite high participation rates, the average Indian volunteer contributes only 3.4 hours annually, significantly lower than the global average of 7.2 hours, as per the Goodera 2025 Report. This discrepancy highlights the potential for growth if companies are willing to meet their employees halfway.

Ultimately, volunteering serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing what many professionals seek in their work: a sense of belonging, community, and impact. By embedding these values into everyday corporate culture, organizations can transform the Indian work experience from one of mere endurance to one of genuine engagement and fulfillment. In doing so, they could catalyze a shift from survival to a more vibrant and restorative mode of living.