Volunteers are the heat of not-for-profits and community initiatives. They give their time, skills, and energy to causes they care about, often without expecting anything in return. But, just like paid workers, volunteers can experience burnout - leading to exhaustion, disengagement, and even stepping away from volunteering altogether.

As organisations, preventing volunteer burnout is crucial for maintaining a happy, motivated, and long-term volunteer team. Here's how to spot the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to support your volunteers:

Signs of Volunteer Burnout

Not all burnout looks the same, but common signs include:

• Fatigue & Low Energy - volunteers seem physically or emotionally drained and no longer bring enthusiasm to their roles
• Reduced Commitment - they start missing shifts, arriving late, or withdrawing from responsibilities
• Frustration & Negativity - increased complaints, irritability, or a sense of hopelessness about the impact of their work
• Lack of Engagement - they participate less in team discussions, stop providing input, or appear disconnected from the cause
• Declining Performance - once-reliable volunteers may start making more mistakes or struggle to complete tasks

If you notice these signs, it's time to step in before burnout forces a valued volunteer to walk away.

How Organisations Can Prevent Volunteer Burnout

Set Clear & Realistic Expectations

Many volunteers take on more than they can handle because they feel pressured to say yes. Ensure:

• Roles are well-defined, with clear time commitments
• Volunteers know they can say 'no' without guilt
• No one is expected to carry an unsustainable workload

Encourage Healthy Boundaries

Volunteers are passionate, but that doesn't mean they should be overworked.

• Avoid asking the same volunteers to step in repeatedly - rotate responsibilities
• Respect personal time - don't message outside reasonable hours unless necessary
• Limit long shifts - especially for physically or emotionally demanding roles

Recognise & Appreciate Volunteers Regularly

Burnout often stems from feeling undervalued. Make sure your volunteers know how much they matter.

• A simple 'thank you' can go a long way
• Celebrate milestones (e.g. 1-year volunteering anniversary)
• Publicly acknowledge volunteers on social media, newsletters, or at events
• Provide small tokens of appreciation (e.g. coffee vouchers, handwritten notes)

Create a Supportive Community

A strong sense of team support can reduce stress and make volunteers feel more connected.

• Organise a regular check-in to see how volunteers are feeling
• Pair new volunteers with mentors for guidance and support
• Encourage social interactions - team lunches, coffee catch-ups, or volunteer appreciation events

Offer Flexibility & Choice

Life changes, and volunteers should feel comfortable adjusting their commitments.

• Allow volunteers to choose shifts or take breaks when needed
• Offer different types of volunteering roles to suit different energy levels
• Encourage 'microvolunteering' (small, short-term tasks) for those with limited availability

Provide Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Volunteering - especially in high-stress roles like crisis support or caregiving - can take an emotional toll.

• Offer mental health training or workshops on stress management
• Encourage debriefing sessions for emotionally demanding roles
• Make it okay to step back when needed - without guilt or pressure

Regularly Check In & Gather Feedback

Prevention is better than cure. Regularly ask volunteers:

• "How are you feeling about your role?"
• "Is there anything that would make volunteering easier for you?"
• "Do you feel supported by the team?"

By actively listening and adjusting, organisations can create a healthier, more sustainable volunteer experience.

A Healthy Volunteer is an Engaged Volunteer!

Preventing burnout isn't just about keeping volunteers around - it's about respecting their time, energy, and wellbeing. Happy, supported volunteers are more engaged, effective, and likely to stay committed to your cause for the long run.

If your organisation relies on volunteers, take the time to ensure they feel valued, energised, and excited about their work. Your impact will be even greater when your team is thriving!

Need help managing your volunteer programme? Contact us for advice and resources!