Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a volunteer and an employee? It’s pretty simple. Whenever you ask someone for help, and they agree to help you, that person becomes your volunteer. In this article, we will talk about Salesforce Volunteer management, a platform that helps organizations manage their volunteers efficiently and effectively. We will also discuss tips on making volunteers feel appreciated to keep them motivated throughout their time with the organization.

What is Salesforce Volunteer Management? 

Salesforce Volunteer Management is a way to track and recognize the time, effort, and talent that volunteers contribute to your organization. It’s also an easy way for them to keep track of their hours worked so they can apply those hours toward college scholarships or other benefits. Salesforce volunteer software is a program that helps organizations get more out of their volunteers by providing them with tools that make it easier for both parties involved in the process (the organization & volunteer).

8 Effective Ways to Make Volunteers Feel Appreciated & Why?

1. Recognize Their Time & Efforts

Recognizing the time and effort volunteers give is one of the most important things you can do to make them feel appreciated – and it’s also one of the easiest. It can be as simple as thanking them in person or sending out an email with a voucher as a small reward. You could even mention them on your website, explaining how much you appreciate the time and efforts they contributed to the organization.

2. Make Volunteers Feel Like a Part of the Team

When you’re volunteering, you want to feel like your contributions are valued and appreciated. One way to do this is by making volunteers feel like they’re an integral part of your organization’s success. What is the best way to do this? Simple. By letting them know how their work is making a difference! If there’s something specific that each person has done or contributed, make sure they know about it as soon as possible to bask in their glory.

3. Inform Them About Company Goals & Achievements

Informing volunteers about the company’s goals and achievements is an effective way to make them feel appreciated. It can help them understand why they are volunteering, how their work contributes to the organization’s success, and what projects they should be working on. A nonprofit volunteer management software will keep volunteers informed about upcoming events and initiatives.

For example, suppose there will be an annual conference for salespeople that you want volunteers from your department or team to attend. In that case, these individuals must know about this ahead of time to plan appropriately.

4. Thank Them for Their Work in Person

One of the best ways to thank volunteers is by thanking them in person. You can do this at an event or catch them at their desk and say thank you for their hard work! When you thank a volunteer for their efforts, it shows that they are valued as individuals, their work is recognized, and they are not just another number on your list of people doing good work for your organization. 

This approach also works well when you’re communicating with other leaders within the organization. If someone notices something positive about one of your volunteers, let others know.

5. Give Them a Voice to Share Their Ideas

Volunteers aren’t just content providers; they’re also potential innovators. Encourage volunteers to share their ideas to make them feel appreciated and motivated. The best way to do this is by having a feedback process that allows employees from all levels of the organization (including volunteers) to give input on how things are going. 

You can also ask for volunteers’ opinions on new initiatives or projects before they launch, which will let you know what aspects of the project could improve before it gets off the ground, and listen carefully when your employees share their thoughts. And mainly, if those thoughts include criticism, you should take action on any suggestions they have for improving processes within the company or its products/services offerings.

6. Reward Them With Recognition & Appreciation Awards

Recognition is a great way to show your appreciation for volunteers. You can give them something tangible, like a gift card or certificate. Also, reward them with public recognition by mentioning their name at an event or emailing all staff members. You can also thank them personally by email, thanking them for their time and effort.

7. Offer Opportunities to Grow Professionally & Personally

Volunteers are looking for a challenge, so you must offer them opportunities to grow in their careers and personal lives. It can be as simple as helping them find a new job or giving them access to training programs that will help them develop new skills.

8. Acknowledge Their Contribution Publicly 

It can be easy to forget about the importance of recognition and appreciation for volunteers, but it’s one of the most effective ways to show them how much you value their work. Public acknowledgment is a great way to do this, especially if it’s done in person or through social media. This type of recognition can make volunteers feel important and appreciated by your organization and even motivate them to come back next time!

End Note

Volunteers are an integral part of any organization. They offer their free time and energy, enabling you to accomplish your goals. Recognizing volunteers is a great way to show them that you appreciate their efforts and encourage them to continue volunteering with you in the future.