Here’s some tips on effective ways to show you appreciate the work
of your volunteers that will also contribute to a long term strategy for
volunteer retention.
Make a good first impression
The
induction process can have a big impact on how much a volunteer feels
connected to and part of your club/organisation. Taking time to plan a
welcoming induction is likely to get the relationship off to a good
start.
Ask for feedback
Talk
to volunteers about their concerns and suggestions. Tell them what you
will do with the information and report back on any changes you make as a
result. Incorporating their feedback into decision making demonstrates
their views are respected and their ideas are valued.
Be inclusive
Include
volunteers in key meetings where appropriate such as club planning
days/special projects for example country trips, training, celebrations and
events. Treat volunteers as part of the team and encourage them to
participate in decisions.
Keep them in the loop
Make
sure volunteers are kept up to date with happenings at the club or organisation from changes on the committee, achievements, updates to
programs or services.
Give them meaningful work
Make
sure you know what volunteers want out of the experience and that you
are continuing to provide it. Ensure their skills are matched to the
role to keep them interested and engaged.
Offer professional development
Enabling
people to grow in their role helps people feel satisfied and valued.
Provide opportunities for volunteers to take on extra responsibilities
and a career path for volunteers who want to move between different
roles. Strategies such as providing mentoring or helping with CV writing
assist volunteers to develop their skills and feel more confident in
taking on different roles.
Give feedback
Take note of
how people are performing in their roles. Point out what they are doing
well and offer constructive help to do their best.
Demonstrate impact
Point out how the work volunteers do contributes to the larger goals or achievements of the organisation.
Celebrate their achievements
Organise
regular chances to recognise the work of individual volunteers as well
as the entire team. Use the event to give awards and celebrate
milestones.
Set up a recognition program
This is a way
of orienting your organisation, your committee and other key people to
regularly and consistently recognise and promote the work of volunteers.
Tailor your recognition to match the volunteer to make it most
effective such as setting up coaching awards/various volunteer
categories eg. Administration, game day operations, canteen,
promotions/marketing.
Offer incentives such as reimbursing costs
of completing required training such as coach and officials
accreditation, responsible serving of alcohol, working with children
checks.