Bonding with coworkers is important for a successful work environment. Team building exercises are a good way of achieving those connections, but this isn't the only way. Volunteering with your boss and your coworkers cannot only build strong bonds around the office but it can also improve your local community.

Eighty percent of American workers are stressed out by their job—of these American workers, 10 percent of them are stressed by annoying coworkers and 5 percent are stressed by their bosses. Fortunately, volunteering could be a solution to office stress. Volunteering can help you reduce stress, feel healthier, and improve your mood. All of this can make for a more harmonious office.

You and your coworkers can join the millions of people who are constantly working to improve their community. The Corporation for National & Community Service reports that 62.8 million people volunteer in the United States, and 50.5 percent of residents donate $25 or more to charity.

Does an office volunteering day sound like something you would be interested in? If so, start laying the groundwork for this team bonding work. You can poll your coworkers to see if they would be interested and take your proposal to your boss. If you get approved, send out an email and set up a sign-up sheet to see how many other people will join you.

There are plenty of charities and foundations to choose from including animal welfare, children, health, and environmental organizations. Not sure which volunteer projects would work for your office?

Volunteering Ideas for Office Stress

Here are two volunteering ideas to help you get started.

Fundraisers and Collections

According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, fundraisers and food collections make up the largest portion of volunteering activity. You and your coworkers can start a can food drive and deliver the food to a food bank. Or your office can volunteer at a local food bank.

Environmental Organizations

With air, water, and soil pollution, our environment needs a little extra help. Consider having your office adopt a highway and then you can all take a Saturday to clean it up. If this isn't an option then consider planting trees with a local environmental or an organization instead.