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

Depression and Anxiety

This information, videos, guides and weblinks explain depression, anxiety, and their connection. It also provides self-help options and referrals to crisis support resources in Australia.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Resources

Engaging and Leading Volunteers

This article and guides provide an overview of volunteer engagement for leaders who manage volunteers.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, The Knowledge Base
Policies & Procedures

Writing policies and procedures

Guidance on the importance of policies and procedures and the types of policies and procedures a volunteer involving organisation may require.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
General
Volaby
Tech

Volaby

Volaby is an end-to-end volunteer and people management platform, enabling organisations to do more with less! Built from the collective voice of our volunteer managers using the platform, Volaby helps you automate and simplify the volunteer and manager experience to save time and scale impact.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
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
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

Building an Inclusive Volunteer Program

This interactive workshop will provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to recruit, engage, and retain a diverse team of volunteers, including reviewing organisational procedures and workplace culture.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
on-demand

Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs

Nationally recognised qualification for people who manage volunteers. Over a 12-month period, develop leadership and management skills to lead volunteers, or formalise your experience.
Volunteering Queensland
Peak body members: $1950. Standard course fee: $3,500.
scheduled

Understanding your Not-for-profit's Constitution - Nov 2026

Learn how to read, understand and apply your not-for-profit’s constitution with confidence. This practical webinar covers key legal requirements, governance essentials and tips for updating your governing document.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00