People who volunteer are nearly twice as likely to report high vitality, according to new research from Bloomfield-based The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), which found volunteering associated with better health, stronger workplace engagement, and greater community connection.
The company's fifth annual Vitality in America report found volunteers were more likely to report excellent or very good physical health (55% vs. 42%) and mental health (57% vs. 49%), a stronger sense of belonging (62% vs. 42%), and greater ability to bounce back from hardship (59% vs. 45%) compared with non-volunteers. Volunteers also scored higher on the Evernorth Vitality Index, averaging 76.7 out of 100 compared with 68.4 among non-volunteers.
Dr. Stuart L. Lustig, National Medical Executive for Behavioral Health Strategy and Product Design, Cigna Healthcare, said, "Our research continues to show that health is bigger than physical or emotional well-being. Things like purpose, connection, and resilience play an important role in how people feel and function every day. This year's findings suggest that volunteering can be a simple yet meaningful way to build purpose, strengthen connections, and boost resilience while helping others."
Employees who participated in employer-supported volunteer opportunities were more likely to say they were proud to work for their company (80% vs. 58%) and would go above and beyond for their workplace (79% vs. 59%), though only 27% of employees said their workplace offered volunteer opportunities during work hours in the past year.
The Cigna Group is also launching Return on Volunteerism, a tool estimating the economic, health, and workforce value generated by volunteer service.
"Volunteering is one of the few activities that benefits everyone involved," said Sara Quist, Senior Director, Community Programs and President, The Cigna Group Foundation. "Communities receive support, organizations advance their missions, and volunteers gain purpose, connection, and skills that can enrich their own lives."
Cigna Group employees contributed nearly 114,000 volunteer hours in 2025, up approximately 30% from the previous year, generating an estimated $7.1 million in economic value.
