Practice area 5
Feedback and recognition
Principles
- Volunteers can give and receive feedback, and receive recognition appropriate to their unique self.
- The value and impact of volunteer contributions are understood and acknowledged within the organisation and communicated to the volunteer.
- Contributions of volunteers are acknowledged using a range of recognition tools and activities that reflect the needs of the volunteer.
Why this practice is important
Feedback provides individuals with an opportunity for self-assessment and reflection. Meaningful feedback increases self-esteem and motivates volunteers. Volunteer recognition acknowledges accomplishments, reinforces efforts and is a sign of appreciation.
What volunteers need
- To know the processes used to recognise volunteers
- To have a range of methods/ options to be recognised
- To communicate their needs and feedback preferences
- To have feedback and recognition tailored to the individual
- To have a broad range of feedback options to match their preferences
What good practice looks like
Well communicated processes for recognising volunteers
- Ensure there is a process to acknowledge volunteers in a meaningful way e.g. a letter from the CEO or manager to thank them for their service
- Ensure there is a well-articulated ‘benefits’ package, matching rewards to the volunteers, motivations, and desires
- Clearly explain recognition and appreciation practices and what’s available to new volunteers
- Have a regular review cycle for recognition and appreciation practices – to ensure continuous improvement
- Have easily accessible information explaining the organisation’s recognition and appreciation practices
- Have resources for whānau and employers to help them understand the impact of the volunteer’s contribution
- Have a volunteer management system that captures contributions and achievement. This can be online, a database or a spreadsheet
- Provide training for paid staff /volunteer managers on how to recognise and appreciate volunteers, as an expected part of their role
Have a wide range of methods to recognise volunteers
- Say thank you or give other informal, timely recognition
- Recognise the lived experience of the volunteer – the whole person
- Record their accomplishments, and impact on the organisation and community as well as the hours contributed
- Acknowledge the contribution of the volunteer(s) at regular informal/social events where everyone from organisation is present (check they wish to be publicly acknowledged)
- Link the volunteer’s contribution and achievements to the organisation plan, showing how the volunteer fits into the plan to achieve the mission
- Have Service Recognition for volunteers who like to be recognised for their service
- Seek volunteers’ opinions and involve them in reviewing policies/protocols
- Balance tangible and intangible rewards, and formal and informal recognition e.g., recommendation letters and Record of service presented at an event, profiling on social media, LinkedIn recommendation etc.
Understand the needs and feedback preferences of the individual
- Understand how the volunteer prefers to be recognised
- Work with the volunteer on what motivates them and recognise them in that manner
- Tailor the feedback and recognition to the individual
- Regularly check in with the volunteer to support them and deal with any issues
- Ensure feedback to volunteers with a disability isn’t patronising
Have a broad range of feedback options to match the preferences of the volunteer
- Know when and how to say a simple thank you
- Use the inspiring connections the organisation could have in the community – e.g. with council, “important people” or other mentors in the community
- Provide collective recognition of the volunteer’s group
- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities
- Acknowledge the contribution of the volunteer(s) at regular informal and social events where everyone from organisation is present
- Use performance appraisals to give two-way feedback
- Offer more than one way for the volunteer to give feedback e.g. verbal, online survey method
- Put volunteers forward for community awards
- Provide opportunities for growth, e.g. opportunities to mentor or coach the newer volunteers