With the rise of AI and the relentless pace of modern technology, life is becoming faster, more digital, and ironically – more isolating. As human interactions are increasingly replaced by screens and algorithms the need for genuine, meaningful connection has never been more urgent. But in a world racing toward automation, could the simple act of serving others be the key to restoring our sense of belonging?
Oprah Winfrey recently discovered through her conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy, 21st U.S. Surgeon General, that being of service to another can be a powerful antidote to loneliness.
Patronella Sono, Staff Volunteerism Portfolio Specialist at Momentum Group, agrees: “While it is normal to feel lonely sometimes, humans naturally are social creatures and therefore need to be in relationship with one another to function optimally. The act of selflessness takes the focus off yourself and in turn, rewards us with a sense of accomplishment that promotes feelings of personal fulfilment and purpose.
According to Sono, actively helping others additionally encourages belonging, effectively eliminating feelings of isolation by creating meaningful interactions and social bonds with others. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others has a far-reaching impact on the overall psychological well-being of people. Hence, the idea of volunteering is a perfect opportunity for us to break out of isolated prisons of loneliness to restore meaning in our lives.
"On the other hand, volunteering for meaningful causes not only provides crucial support to those in need but also encourages a deeper sense of fulfilment among those who give of their time. In South Africa, businesses that overlook the growing desire among employees to align their personal values with their company’s purpose risk falling behind," she warned.
"Employees whose companies have embraced a culture of giving back are the ones who thrive. These individuals are more engaged, motivated and committed to their work – factors that directly enhance productivity and ultimately, drive business success."
This has been very much the goal Momentum Group set out to achieve through its partnership with the Forgood movement, a platform which connects people to causes close to their hearts. In this way, Forgood assists Momentum Group in growing the culture of different forms of volunteering within the business which fits specific personality profiles. The Group’s employees are encouraged to participate in organised internal programmes, which include skills-based volunteering on Forgood platform, virtual volunteering and payroll donations.
"Some people are naturally outgoing, while others struggle to connect with new people," said Sono. "Volunteering creates a welcoming space to build social skills by bringing individuals together around shared interests, making it easier to form meaningful connections," says Sono.
“Coincidentally, developing social skills plays an important part when building a career as it enables effective communication which helps deepen relationships with colleagues and clients, making work lighter.”
As Sono aptly summarises, the symbiotic relationship between volunteerism and the workplace is undeniable. By driving a culture of purpose-driven work, organisations can reap the rewards of a more skilled, confident, and unified workforce. Ultimately, this people-centric approach not only enriches the lives of employees but also contributes to a more resilient, high-performing business – a true testament to the transformative power of volunteerism.
Patronella Sono
Staff Volunteerism Portfolio Specialist
Momentum Group
