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

Policies & Procedures

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

A guide identifying key privacy and intellectual property considerations when involving volunteers.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
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
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

Volunteer management a headache? INVOLVE simplifies everything! Automate tasks, gain instant insights, schedule visually, track hours effortlessly, and collaborate seamlessly. Built in Australia, your data's safe. Focus on your purpose, not admin.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
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
scheduled

Bridge to Volunteering - An introduction to volunteering

Learn about volunteering including the benefits of volunteering, rights and responsibilities, and how to get involved in your community.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
scheduled

Lunch and Learn: Volunteer Leadership in Practice

Join this professional development session to explore volunteer retention through community, connection and purpose. Gain practical strategies, fresh insights and actionable ideas from experienced volunteer leader Carolyn Whamond.
Volunteering Tasmania
–
Free
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