Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
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

Visit source (opens in new tab)

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

Factsheets

Conflicts of Interest Guide

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) guide has been developed to help explain what conflicts of interest are and how they can be managed. The guide features links to other resources including policy and register templates.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Resources

Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

This article, links and guides assist volunteer organisations in building respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including resources on cultural awareness and engagement.
1 minute read
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Reconciliation Australia, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Research and Reports

Clearinghouse for Sport - Volunteering Research

Explore research on sport volunteer participation by age, region, activity, and sport. Discover benefits, management tips, and recognition strategies.
1 minute read
Australian Sports Commission
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
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
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
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

Let's Talk Diversity and Inclusion in Volunteering - Launceston

Join A Fairer World and the Hobart Human Library for an interactive workshop on diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias. Hear lived experiences, challenge assumptions and gain practical tools to create more inclusive volunteer programs and workplaces.
Volunteering Tasmania
–
A$20.00
scheduled

Understanding the National Strategy for Volunteering Webinar

This session explores the Strategy’s priorities, progress and future direction, highlighting key opportunities and challenges for volunteering in Australia. Ideal preparation for conference attendees and anyone contributing to the next Action Plan.
Volunteering Queensland
–
Free