Volunteering should be offered as standard in HR policies for employees approaching retirement, says new study

Offering volunteering opportunities as part of a phased retirement HR policy is vital for an employee's mental health and wellbeing, according to a new study. 

Published in the British Psychological Society's Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, the findings reveal that volunteering is crucial for those who are heading into retirement and maintaining their social identity as a retiree. 

The study's results come as the importance of volunteers and volunteering is recognised during Volunteers Week (3-9 June). 

The year-long study found that those with a "retiree" social identity (those who perceive themselves as members of the retirees' group): 

• Responded positively to volunteering in retirement during their search for a meaningful life. 
• Were more likely to engage in volunteering, as it offers a sense of purpose and community integration during retirement.

Co-author of the report, An existential perspective on post‐retirement decisions, Dr. Shona G. Smith said: 

"Older adults' social identities as workers and retirees are shaped by how they are searching for meaning in their life. The results of our study found that those with a "retiree" social identity responded positively to the idea of taking up volunteering as part of their retirement plans. 

"With many countries' populations and workforces ageing, integrating older people into society when they retire is a significant challenge that all societies face. HR professionals can therefore play a very positive role for employees considering phased retirement who have already adopted a retiree identity, through providing opportunities to volunteer in the community."

Liza Walter-Nelson, Chair of the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology, said: 

"Retirement is a huge consideration, and we shouldn't underestimate the positive psychological impact of sharing a lifetime of knowledge and experience with others through volunteering."

"Volunteering offers an excellent avenue for retirees to make their voices heard and their contributions valued. This Volunteers' Week, we would urge all HR staff to think about how they incorporate volunteering opportunities into their phased retirement HR practices. Doing so will not only boost the mental health and wellbeing of those considering retirement, but also reinforce their social identity and sense of fulfilment."