We recently found a list of 100 different ways to thank volunteers. The list seems pretty extensive and thoughtful, and many of the suggestions seem manageable and budget friendly. The challenge with the list – as it is with so many other generic giving suggestions – is that the list provides no meaningful context. Like many other volunteer driven organizations we were left asking – what do volunteers really, really want?
Volunteer Canada recently asked nearly 380 volunteers across Canada how they want to be recognized for their volunteer contributions. The newly released 2103 Volunteer Recognition Study explored the preferences around volunteer recognition to identify links between the volunteers’ motivation and their preferred recognition practices. The results suggest a divergence between what the majority of volunteers prefer and what the majority of organizations think they need to provide.
The top two ways volunteers want to be recognized:
- 80% stated that they would like to be recognized or thanked by the organization they volunteer for by hearing about how their work has made a difference.
- Close to 70% stated they would like to be recognized by being thanked in person on an ongoing, informal basis.
But, when Volunteer Canada asked organizations about the perceived barriers to volunteer recognition:
- Over 80% of organizations indicated that the most common barrier they encounter around volunteer recognition is that they do not have enough money in the budget to do what they want to do. Yet 80% of volunteers would like to be recognized by hearing the impact of their contributions.
Now, without passing doubt or judgement on the effectiveness of your existing volunteer recognition strategies, Volunteer Canada suggests that you expand your organization’s concept of volunteer recognition to include the following:
- take the time to learn about your volunteers’ motivations and preferences. This can be achieved by building in questionnaires to accompany the documentation you are already requesting for screening and administration. This information can be referenced for ongoing recognition throughout the year
- redefine your perception of volunteer recognition – away from a once a year events [or token gifts] towards a holistic, year round practice that acknowledges volunteers for their individual contributions
- learn about the kind of skills volunteers’ would like to apply or develop and ensure that this is being fulfilled in their volunteer roles
- create events that embed training or networking opportunities with celebrations around volunteer recognition
Thanks Volunteer Canada for sharing your learning and helping us all be more thankful!
