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Working with Volunteers: PAID STAFF vs VOLUNTEERS

WORKING WITH VOLUNTEERS

SIMILARITIES to managing volunteers vs paid staff

  • Everyone wants to feel that what they’re doing has an impact, whether they’re getting paid for it or not. It is crucial for non-profit mangers to understand this; they will fail to successfully manage their volunteer force otherwise.
  • It is important to ensure that volunteers feel a sense of ownership over their work and inclusion in the organization’s mission. This is similar to how you would manage the career of a full-time employee, with inclusive planning and long-term professional guidance.
  • Clear, frequent, two-way communication is another important comparison between managing volunteers and paid employees. There needs to be an established system of information sharing between full-time employees and part-time volunteers. This is significant because part-time volunteers will generally not be involved in the organization on a day-to-day basis. Clear communication on a frequent basis will ensure that volunteers are on the same page as full-time paid employees.

 

DIFFERENCES to managing volunteers vs paid off

  • Employees are compensate monetarily for their time and work. Volunteers do not receive monetary compensation.
  • Paid staff is typically between the ages of 18 and 67 vs volunteers do not have an age limited.
  • Work hours are treat different for volunteers and paid staff.  Volunteers expect flexible schedule and not to be reprimanded when they miss work.