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

Weblinks

National Volunteering Guide

The National Volunteering Guide is an invaluable resource for organisations managing volunteers. It covers the entire volunteer lifecycle, from recruitment and induction to performance management and the conclusion of volunteer roles.
1 minute read
Not-For-Profit Law
General
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
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
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
scheduled

Not-for-profit Risk: Current Legal Issues for the Board Agenda - Sep 2026

Stay up to date on key legal risks affecting not-for-profits. This webinar covers psychosocial hazards, privacy, cyber security and AI, with practical guidance on risk management, director liability and governance.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
scheduled

Volunteer Screening Deconstructed 

This interactive session examines best-practice volunteer screening, providing practical guidance on implementing robust safeguards that protect your organisation while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden.
Volunteering Victoria
Free
scheduled

Write It, Win It: Grant Writing Skills for Community Volunteers - Session 1

A free two-session online workshop building volunteers' confidence and skills to find the right grants and write applications that stand out, covering funder matching, storytelling, budgets and eligibility criteria.
Volunteering SA&NT
Free