Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Research and Reports
1 minute read

Predictors of turnover amongst volunteers A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

This document offers a comprehensive analysis of why volunteers leave and how to keep them engaged. Through a detailed examination of 117 studies, it identifies crucial factors like job satisfaction, communication, and organizational support that influence a volunteer's decision to stay or leave.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

Organisations can greatly benefit from this research by understanding the specific needs and motivations of their volunteers. Implementing strategies based on these insights can lead to improved retention rates, saving time and resources in recruiting and training new volunteers.

Practical Applications for Volunteer Management

For volunteer managers, this document provides a clear framework to enhance volunteer engagement. By focusing on effective communication, creating meaningful work designs, and fostering a supportive environment, managers can build a committed volunteer workforce. The emphasis on positive job attitudes and intrinsic motivation highlights the path towards a more satisfied and stable volunteer base.

Summary

This research not only sheds light on the complexities of volunteer turnover but also offers practical solutions for organisations aiming to retain their valuable volunteer workforce.

Downloads and sources

More about the authors

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Resources

Developing Policies and Procedures

This article, quick guide and templates help organisations have written volunteer policies and outlines the process for their development.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Guides

How To Reach and Recruit Volunteers - a guide for multicultural community organisations

This resource offers practical advice on how to promote volunteering opportunities and build a strong volunteer workforce in multicultural organisations. It highlights the importance of clear communication, advertising, and making information accessible.
1 minute read
Department of Social Services
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), Migrants +1 more
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

SEEK Volunteer helps connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.
Recruitment
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
FreddyMatch
Tech

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
scheduled

Understanding the National Strategy for Volunteering Webinar

This session explores the Strategy’s priorities, progress and future direction, highlighting key opportunities and challenges for volunteering in Australia. Ideal preparation for conference attendees and anyone contributing to the next Action Plan.
Volunteering Queensland
Free
scheduled

3Rs: Recruitment, Retention & Recognition

Participants will use the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement to develop or improve an existing volunteer program so that they can successfully recruit, retain and recognise the important contribution volunteers make.
Volunteering Victoria
Free
scheduled

Paying Volunteers and Board Members: What Not-for-profits Need to Know - Oct 2026

A plain-language legal webinar on paying volunteers and board members, covering key legal issues, governance considerations, and best-practice tips to help your organisation make confident, informed decisions.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00