If you’re plagued by volunteer retention issues — or want to encourage deeper volunteer engagement — it helps to know why volunteers leave.
You may think you understand why a volunteer leaves but they usually don’t tell us directly. Giving critical feedback is difficult and most volunteers won’t come right out and say they didn’t feel accepted or appreciated.
It’s much easier for a volunteer to blame it on external circumstances like lack of time or family responsibility.
These are the top 10 reasons why volunteers leave unxpectedly.
Reason no. 10
The reality of their experience was not what they expected when they signed on
Reason no. 9
Employees treated them as an interruption, not as welcome (and anticipated) help.
Reason no. 8
Veteran long term volunteers wouldn’t let them into their “insider” group.
Reason no. 7
They did not see the connection between one day\’s work and another.
Reason no. 6
They did not know how to tell you they wanted to leave.
Reason no. 5
They made a suggestion that was not acted on, or responded to.
Reason no. 4
The atmosphere was impersonal, tense or cold.
Reason no. 3
The physical environment did not support their efforts.
Reason no. 2
No one smiled at them.
Reason no. 1
They were under utilised.
