Gen Z leads nation in every day acts of kindness, research finds
Gen Z are leading the way when it comes to everyday kindness study finds as McDonald’s launches UK’s first McHappy Day
Gen Z performs five acts of kindness a week(Image: Getty Images)
Gen Z are leading the way when it comes to everyday kindness – carrying out an act of generosity around five times a week, a new poll claims. The survey of 2,000 adults found 83% of 18 to 29-year-olds say they’re generous. And 24% said they donate money to people in need a few times a month.
Many are also giving in other ways, with 40% donating items to charity, 49% volunteering their time, and 23% taking part in charity events. But it’s not just Gen Z stepping up. The research found Millennials are the biggest monthly donors, giving an average of £37 a month to good causes.
And older generations are still doing their bit too, with 54% of Boomers said to carry out an act of kindness at least once or twice a week. Among those aged 62 to 80, 66% have donated goods to charity and 31% have donated spare change in the past year.
When it comes to giving while shopping, 21% of Brits donate by rounding up their bill at the till or self-checkout, while 39% support good causes by buying charity products.
Performing an act of kindness can boost your mental health(Image: Getty Images)
The research was commissioned by McDonald’s ahead of the UK’s first ever McHappy Day, which is taking place on Saturday 26 September.
For one day only, £1 from every qualifying main meal bought in selected restaurants will be donated to Ronald McDonald House UK, which supports families with seriously ill children.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s, which has created a downloadable ‘Good Deed’ bingo card, said: “Whether it’s giving up their time, donating money, helping a stranger or supporting a local cause, people are proving that acts of kindness remain a big part of everyday life.
“It’s fantastic to see all generations embracing charitable giving and community support in some way.
“At a time when life can feel increasingly busy and demanding, it’s clear that helping others still matters to people.”
The study found the causes Brits are most likely to support include children and young people (26%) and health charities (23%).
And it seems kindness can be good for the person doing it too. 73% said helping others has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing, while 76% said it makes them happier. Another 28% believe it helps them feel more connected to those around them, according to the OnePoll results.
It also emerged 90% believe it’s important to help others whenever possible, with 27% regularly offering support without expecting anything back.
Meanwhile, 34% said they buy surprise gifts for friends or family “just because”. Popular last-minute treats include chocolate or sweets (40%), flowers (31%) and a coffee (24%).
Overall, 53% think Britain is a generous nation. The biggest reasons people help others were said to be wanting to support those who need it most (37%), making a difference (31%) and brightening someone’s day (31%).
The spokesperson added: “What matters most is often not the size of the gesture, but the impact it has.
“It’s also encouraging to see that generosity leaves people feeling happier, more connected and more positive themselves.
“That’s why initiatives such as McHappy Day are so important – giving people another opportunity to support the families who need it most.
“Ronald McDonald House UK provides extraordinary support for families whose world is turned upside down by a child’s illness – offering free accommodation so they can be right there by their child’s side, at no cost to them.
“Thanks to the generosity of our customers, franchisees and supply partners, every penny raised on Saturday 26th September will make a genuine difference.”
TOP 20 SPONTANEOUS ACTS OF GENEROSITY
- Donating unwanted items
- Donating to charity
- Treating a friend or relative to a gift
- Helping a stranger
- Giving someone a lift
- Giving up your place in a queue to someone in a hurry
- Leaving a positive review to help a small business
- Bringing someone lunch or dinner
- Picking up litter in a public place without being asked
- Buying someone a coffee
- Helping someone get something off a high shelf/airplane overhead storage
- Sharing skills or expertise for free
- Supporting a local fundraiser
- Giving money to someone in need
- Posting a letter or parcel for someone
- Sending flowers or a care package to someone going through a tough time
- Introducing someone to a useful contact to help them find a job or opportunity
- Babysitting or pet-sat for free to help someone out
- Buying a round of drinks unexpectedly
- Helping someone carry a pram up or down a flight of stairs
