You want to build a strong team of volunteers. How can you create a supportive and positive work environment?

1 Communicate clearly

Communication is key to any successful team, especially when working with volunteers who may have different backgrounds, expectations, and availability. You need to communicate your mission, values, and objectives clearly and consistently, as well as provide feedback, recognition, and guidance. Use various channels and methods to reach your volunteers, such as email, phone, social media, newsletters, or meetings. Make sure you listen to their questions, concerns, and suggestions, and respond promptly and respectfully.

2 Provide training and development

Volunteers want to feel confident and competent in their roles, and they also want to learn new skills and grow professionally. You can create a supportive and positive work environment by providing them with adequate training and development opportunities. This could include orientation, workshops, mentoring, coaching, or online courses. You can also encourage your volunteers to share their skills and knowledge with each other, creating a culture of learning and collaboration.

3 Empower and delegate

Volunteers are more likely to be engaged and committed if they feel empowered and trusted to make decisions and take actions. You can create a supportive and positive work environment by delegating tasks and responsibilities to your volunteers, based on their skills, interests, and availability. You can also involve them in planning, problem-solving, and evaluation, giving them a sense of ownership and accountability. You can also foster a sense of autonomy by allowing your volunteers to choose how, when, and where they work, as long as they meet the expectations and deadlines.

4 Appreciate and celebrate

Volunteers are driven by intrinsic motivation, meaning they volunteer because they care about the cause, the community, or the personal benefits. You can create a supportive and positive work environment by showing your appreciation and celebrating their achievements. You can do this by expressing your gratitude verbally, in writing, or publicly, by giving them rewards or incentives, such as certificates, vouchers, or gifts, by hosting events or parties, or by nominating them for awards or recognition. You can also highlight their impact and success stories, showing them how their work makes a difference.

5 Build relationships and trust

Volunteers are not only motivated by the cause, but also by the people they work with. You can create a supportive and positive work environment by building relationships and trust with your volunteers. You can do this by getting to know them personally, by showing interest in their lives, hobbies, and goals, by being friendly and approachable, by being honest and transparent, by respecting their opinions and preferences, and by resolving conflicts constructively. You can also facilitate social interactions and networking among your volunteers, creating a sense of community and belonging.

6 Promote well-being and balance

Volunteers are valuable assets, but they are also human beings who have their own needs and challenges. You can create a supportive and positive work environment by promoting their well-being and balance. You can do this by providing them with a safe and comfortable work environment, by ensuring they have the necessary resources and equipment, by respecting their boundaries and limitations, by offering them flexibility and breaks, by providing them with support and counseling, and by addressing any issues or concerns they may have. You can also encourage them to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, and to seek help when needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?