Our society would be vastly different if not for the dedicated hard work of countless volunteers. Anyone who has worked in volunteer management can attest to this, and has also likely witnessed the phenomenon of volunteers burning out.

It is equally obvious and unfortunate that it is usually the hardest working, most dedicated of all who end up, at one time or another, exhausted from their (worthwhile) efforts. Ideally, volunteer participation should reap benefits in all directions, so let’s take a good look at what we can do to make sure our most willing aren’t giving too much.

1. Recognize realistic potentials- People work at different strengths and different speeds. A task that is easy for one might be exhausting for another, so make sure your duties are well matched to your workers. Also take into account the levels of commitment your volunteers present. It might take a bit of figuring out, as those with a lot going on might be first to drop the ball, but not always. Often busy people are that way by choice, and are happy for extra work.

2. Arrange appropriate programmes for volunteers- If volunteers are properly and thoroughly trained for the work they are expected to do, it is easier for them to do a good job, and for longer. Investments made in training can come back tenfold. Also, debriefing from particularly heady work can make a big difference to volunteers too. If your organisiation works in potentiall emotionally draining circumstances, making sure volunteers have adequate assistance to deal with difficulties is best for everyone.

3. Encourage group morale- Many volunteers are stirred to engagement partly through a desire to connect with others in their communities. Making sure they have opportunities to do so will help create a happy working atmosphere for volunteers. Perhaps there is space for a “staff room” in your building, where volunteers can catch up? And don’t forget to fit a few social occasions into the calendar.

Some organisations find that putting volunteers in teams helps spread the workload a little better, as volunteers know who to call for back-up if there is work they cannot complete. Volunteers who feel they are part of a team may be less susceptible to burn out.

There is always endless work for volunteers to do, and aren’t we thankful they do! Let’s make sure no-one is doing more than they can maintain, though. And remember that those who enjoy their volunteer roles are usually the ones who bring along their friends to help out too.