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

Volunteer Management Handbook

The Volunteer Management Handbook E-learning Series is a free resource designed to help new, existing and aspiring Volunteer Managers in their role.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Examples

Corporate policy statement: work health and safety

An example policy statement outlining workplace health and safety responsibilities, noting some content is specific to Western Australia.
1 minute read
WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction
General
Factsheets

Volunteer Reward and Recognition

This document highlights the importance of valuing and appreciating volunteers. It offers practical strategies for volunteer organisations to enhance motivation and retention, such as saying thank you, including volunteers in decision-making, and offering training sessions.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland
General
Emergency Support Volunteering website
Tech

Emergency Support Volunteering website

The Emergency Support Volunteering website allows volunteers in Western Australia to register to help in emergencies, organisations needing support can also register to contact volunteers for assistance.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
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
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
scheduled

Privacy Laws for Not-for-profits: Protecting Personal Information - Aug 2026

Stay up to date on privacy laws for not-for-profits in this practical webinar. Learn key obligations, recent reforms, data breach trends and OAIC priorities, plus how to manage personal information and respond to breaches.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
scheduled

What Matters Most to You? Identifying Skill Development Priorities for Volunteer Managers in the NT - ONLINE

Volunteering SA & NT is planning a Learning and Development Roadshow across the NT. This session invites volunteer managers to share priorities to shape relevant, practical training. Learn the proposed roadmap, and help define future development needs.
Volunteering SA&NT
Free
scheduled

Understanding Not-for-profit Finances - August 2026

Build confidence in not-for-profit financial reporting. This practical webinar explains key responsibilities, reporting updates, and how to read financial statements. Gain clear, plain-language guidance from a Chartered Accountant.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00