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

Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers

This research offers a different perspective on volunteer management in non-profit organisations, moving beyond traditional ideas of challenges and solutions.
1 minute read
Anders la Cour, Lesley Hustinx, Nina Eliasoph
General
Resources

Breaking Down the Barriers to Youth Volunteering

This e-learning course equips youth volunteer managers with strategies to attract, retain and engage young volunteers through project redesign and practical activities
1 minute read
Soulgen, The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
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
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
scheduled

Governing for NFP Volunteer Board Performance

A one-day facilitated course for current and aspiring not-for-profit board members and executives who report to boards, covering legal and financial obligations, risk, accountability, stakeholder management and the board's role in strategy.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
A$968.00
scheduled

An Introduction to Succession Planning: Developing your Future Leaders

Learn the fundamentals of succession planning to build a resilient, sustainable organisation. Discover practical strategies to identify critical roles, develop emerging talent, reduce risk, and strengthen your team's future capability.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free
scheduled

*FREE* Step into Corporate Volunteering (Perth Metro) - Online

Learn how corporate volunteering can benefit your organisation in this online information session. Explore Volunteering WA's Corporate Program, discover how to host corporate volunteers, source volunteer teams, and maximise outcomes.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free