Did you know that around 25% of Australians aged 15 and over are involved in voluntary work? Volunteers are a precious resource, as they freely give their time and expertise to help organisations. If you’re looking for ways to motivate volunteers where you work, read our latest blog.

We’re offering some simple tips to motivate volunteers that you can put into place easily and affordably.

Use these tips to let your volunteers feel valued and to instil a sense of belonging in your volunteer community.

1. Communicate regularly

Communicating with your volunteers regularly will help them feel included in your organisation. Let them know about company news, including how their contribution has made a difference. You can also tell them about opportunities for development and news on leavers and joiners.

There are so many ways to communicate these days. You could include your volunteers in your existing internal comms media or set up a special newsletter just for them. Let them know about your social media accounts so they can keep up with these too.

You can also ask your volunteers whether they have any newsworthy stories about their role to share on your channels. This is sure to make them feel included in your community.

2. Support learning opportunities

The volunteering relationship should be mutually beneficial. You can make it worthwhile for your volunteers by offering opportunities to learn new skills. You can keep it in-house by offering workshops or masterclasses led by other members of your team.

Or you can support your volunteers to sign up for online courses relevant to what they do. Being able to include these additional skills on their CVs will be extremely valuable to your volunteers.

You can also encourage your volunteers to share their learning journey. They can do this in team meetings so that others can be inspired by their stories.

3. Organise volunteer awards

Organising an awards scheme to acknowledge the hard work of your volunteers is a great way to help them feel appreciated. You can do this in a number of ways, depending on your budget.

You could simply nominate a “Volunteer of the Week” who gets a special mention in your company newsletter. Or you could organise an annual volunteer awards ceremony, tea party or other event. This will give volunteers the chance to dress up, feel acknowledged and meet key members of your organisation. Make sure you book an official photographer too to record this special day.

4. Offer personalised wristbands

Wristbands customised with your branding and message help volunteers feel a sense of belonging. What’s more, they’re a stylish and affordable accessory that everyone will love!

Silicone wristbands are a great choice for your volunteers. Silicone is a comfortable, flexible and hard-wearing material that’s also hypoallergenic. This makes it suitable for any items worn next to the skin.

Handband offers a wide range of wristbands, perfect for your volunteers. Choose a colourful wristband personalised with your message, or offer your volunteers a selection of skinny wristbands. And if you can’t see what you’re looking for, just give us a shout.

5. Recognise milestones

Celebrate milestones achieved by your volunteers. These can include reaching one, five or 10 years of service and recruiting your 100th volunteer. You could also celebrate your youngest and oldest volunteers. Bake them a cake, share their photo in internal or external comms or give them a gift to mark the occasion.

Remembering these key dates and achievements shows that you take notice of and care about your volunteers. As a result, they will feel cherished and connected to your organisation.

6. Celebrate volunteers on social media

Share your volunteers’ stories on your social media accounts (with permission) to acknowledge their contribution and celebrate their unique skills.

You can show them carrying out their role, or simply include a snapshot of who they are and why they chose to volunteer.

Your followers will love to see the volunteers who help your organisation run smoothly. They may even feel inspired to sign up themselves! Meanwhile, your volunteers can enjoy their slice of fame and the unbeatable feeling of being recognised and cherished.

Say thank you with personalised wristbands

Volunteers add a unique dimension to organisations all over Australia. They deserve to feel recognised and appreciated for offering their time, skills and experience free of charge. So, put one or more of our tips into action to boost that feel-good factor.

Handband is a premium manufacturer and supplier of custom wristbands and promotional products, here to offer you a first-class service. Our personalised wristbands are an excellent way to thank your volunteers. Reach out to us today to find out more.