Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Articles & Reports
1 minute read

Rethinking Recognition

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

This article explores how to recognise volunteers in a way that truly motivates them. It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.

Summary

  • Some top tips for recognising your volunteers are as follows:

  • Focus on informal, ongoing recognition rather than grand events.

  • A simple thank you for a job well done can make a big difference.

  • Help volunteers see the difference their work is making.

  • Provide opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills.

  • Offer ways for volunteers to get involved that fit their busy schedules.

  • Treat volunteers as part of the team and listen to their ideas.

Benefits to volunteer managers and their organisations

Keeping volunteers happy is vital for any organisation that relies on their help. By understanding what volunteers value, organisations can create a more positive experience and encourage them to stay involved.

How to Use This Resource

Volunteer organisations and managers can use this article to brainstorm new ways to recognise their volunteers. By implementing these tips, they can create a more rewarding volunteer experience.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism) is written for volunteer engagement leaders around the world who want to be informed and challenged about volunteering trends and issues. It is published by the Susan J. Ellis Foundation.

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

Guides

Guide to onboarding

Practical guide to help organisations onboard volunteers effectively and support a positive start to volunteering.
1 minute read
Volunteering ACT
General
Weblinks

International Volunteer Manager’s Day (IVMDay)

Celebrated annually on November 5, International Volunteer Managers' Day (IVMDay) is an annual event dedicated to recognising the important work of Volunteer Engagement Professionals.
1 minute read
International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay)
General
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
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
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

Cairns Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and FNQ Volunteers Inc invite regional communities to connect with the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference. This affordable two-day event ($38) offers local learning, networking and collaboration opportunities.
Volunteering Queensland
–
A$38.00
scheduled

Responding to Social Isolation and Loneliness webinar

Responding to Social Isolation and Loneliness is a practical 3.5-hour webinar for volunteers and frontline professionals. Learn to recognise and respond to isolation and loneliness, build connection, and support wellbeing.
Volunteering Queensland
–
Free
scheduled

Culturally Sensitive Program Development & Management - Webinar 2

Develop volunteer programs that are culturally sensitive and respectful to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free