Like all things in life, we typically don’t start to notice our problems until the cracks start to appear. For some, these cracks might appear in the form of frustrated staff dealing with outdated technology and manual processes, whilst for others it might be through their disengaged volunteers and low retention rates.
The good news? These cracks are easy to fix! We have compiled a list of signs to look out for that your organization might need to consider a volunteer management solution. Check them out below!
1. Frustrated and overworked staff
Do your staff complain that there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done? In today’s fast paced world, reliance on technology to replace manual processes has never been greater.
A volunteer management solution can assist with key pain points including:
- Recruitment of volunteers through a centralized system
- Automating previously manual processes including screening and scheduling
- Bulk communication in the form of emails, SMS and portal notifications
- Onsite check in and out to allow for accurate reporting
2. Disengaged volunteers
Unfortunately a lot of organizations too often forget that volunteers are giving up their time for FREE. If you don’t put in place an engagement strategy with your volunteers they are less likely to connect with your event, organization or cause and are less likely to sing your praises to their friends and family.
A volunteer management solution can help automate and streamline regular communications and also opens the door to photo galleries, volunteer groups and reward and recognition programs all designed to enhance the volunteer experience.
3. Confusion amongst the team
More often than not, volunteer programs are run by more than one person. If you’re still operating off spreadsheets or paper to manage your volunteers, chances are there is confusion within the team.
A volunteer management solution means one centralized system, which is understood by all. If someone is off sick or leaves the team unexpectedly, an online solution ensures that your volunteer management program will go on despite any challenges.
4. Issues with scheduling
Manual processes often mean human error. When repeating the same action time and time again, staff become uninterested and frustrated and when the boredom hits and distractions take place, mistakes happen.
A volunteer management solution helps to automate manual processes and allows volunteer management teams to focus on what’s important, like engaging your volunteers!
5. Inaccurate reporting
The easiest way to pull accurate data is through a volunteer management solution. No one has time these days to filter through multiple spreadsheets to locate a single volunteer or identify trends in data.
A volunteer management solution allows you to apply filters to your data to pull reports in real time which are reflective of what is happening then and there.
Clear and accurate data also allows you to better understand what is working and what isn’t when it comes to your volunteer program including attendance and retention rates. With this information at your fingertips, managers have the ability to enhance their program year on year to ensure that volunteers and administrators alike are getting the most out of their program.
If you're interested in learning more about how a volunteer management solution might work for you, don't hesitate to get in touch today.