Skip to main content

What are you looking for?

Enter keywords to search across resources, guides, training, tools, and more.

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.

Forner, V. W., Holtrop, D., Boezeman, E. J., Slemp, G. R., Kotek, M., Kragt, D., Askovic, M., & Johnson, A. (2024). Predictors of turnover amongst volunteers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 45(3), 434–458. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2729


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

Tools or Toolkits

Governance Toolkit

The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Toolkit is a collection of resources that will help charities manage four important risk areas: financial abuse; cyber security; working with partners; safeguarding vulnerable people.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Factsheets

Fundraising Hub

The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) Fundraising Hub is a collection of resources about state and territory fundraising regulators and guidance about charities and fundraising.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
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
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
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
scheduled

SA State Volunteer Managers' Network Meeting

The SA State Volunteer Managers' Network meetings are for anyone who manages, coordinates, or leads volunteers, whether in a paid or voluntary role. This meeting will be held online and will offer a valuable chance to share experience and discuss relevant topics.
Volunteering SA&NT
Free
scheduled

Introduction to the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

Introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. This session guides you through the key stages of volunteer engagement, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to run an effective, sustainable & impactful volunteer program
Volunteering Victoria
FREE
scheduled

Introduction to the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

This workshop guides participants through the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, Australia’s best practice roadmap for volunteering professionals.
Volunteering Victoria
FREE