TOP 3 PRACTICES NOT TO DO TO RETAIN VOLUNTEERS

It took a few years before I finally figured the magic to retaining volunteers.  I figured it was purely out of their intention and motivation that they stay with an organization.  I realized this is not true.

So I have come up with realization I have vowed NOT to do again when I deal with volunteers.

1.  Do not ask engaging questions

I thought that my role is to simply keep track of the volunteer hours.  I take the chance to talk to volunteers only when I ask them to log-in/ log-out.

Volunteers are just human as everybody else.  It does not hurt to ask them neutral questions --- Did they have a hard time looking for the venue of volunteer work?, Are they working/ still studying?, Which province do they come from?

Such questions initiate conversations with the volunteers and actually make them feel at ease with the person-in-charge, with the environment, or with the volunteer work.  Fostering a relaxed atmosphere actually helps them perform better in their volunteer job.

2.  Supply information only when needed

Again, I manage volunteers based on assumptions I have made.  I initially thought I was there to simply answer questions/ issues which may arise during the volunteer work.

Wrong.

Volunteers perform better if they are informed more about the task at hand.  They come to appreciate for example, situations of patients if they understand about their illnesses especially if mood swing come in as an effect of the disease/ medicine.  This way, they do not take any comment personally.

Also, an additional information given to volunteers is to let them know especially when they are doing a good job.  Be since in providing praise/encouragement to volunteers.  At the very least, thank them for their efforts for the day.

3.  Volunteers should be left on their own so they get to explore more and learn about being independent.

A new volunteer would need more guidance than a  seasoned volunteer.  Shadowing enables a volunteer to get a "feel" of the work.  Also, by being a good model, the volunteer is more aware of characteristics/ actions that he/she should exhibit during volunteer work.