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

Research and Reports

Youth volunteering key statistics

Key statistics and insights about youth volunteering participation and trends in Australia.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
Youth or Student
Resources

Snapshot of Volunteering in Australia

Commissioned by all State and Territory Volunteering Peak Bodies, this 2023 report offers a national snapshot of volunteering in Australia, highlighting its social and economic value and the unique characteristics of the volunteer landscape.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
Examples

Volunteer ambassador role description

Example role description outlining responsibilities and expectations for a Volunteer Ambassador position.
1 minute read
Volunteer Edinburgh
General
VIKTOR Lite
Tech

VIKTOR Lite

VIKTOR Lite enables volunteer involving organisations to recruit volunteers via a range of websites run by local governments, state peaks, local volunteer resource centres, Volunteering Australia and SEEK Volunteer.
Volunteer database Recruitment Onboarding / training Reporting
Rosterfy
Tech

Rosterfy

Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management software solution, that helps organisations streamline their volunteer management and engagement. Rosterfy offers automated solutions to manage volunteers efficiently.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

Insurance for Not-for-profits - Nov 2026

Learn how insurance supports effective risk management in not-for-profits. Explore key cover types, emerging sector risks and practical tips for reviewing insurance needs with expert guidance from AON. Includes recording, slides and resources.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00
scheduled

Standard 8: Policy and Practices are Continuously Improved

This free one-hour session explores continuous improvement in volunteer programs, including feedback, evaluation, policy review and impact measurement. Gain practical tools, share ideas with peers, and earn 1 CPD point.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free
scheduled

Roma Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and Maranoa Regional Council invite regional communities to the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference. This affordable two-day event ($38) offers local learning, networking and collaboration.
Volunteering Queensland
–
Free