VolunteerHub
  • Platform
    VolunteerHub automates and streamlines, so you can concentrate on making a difference and driving your organization’s mission forward.
    • Platform Features
    VolunteerHub Overview Video
    Watch Overview 1:50
    • Volunteer Management
      • campaign Volunteer Recruitment
      • calendar_month Volunteer Scheduling
      • track_changes Volunteer Hour Tracking
      • storage Volunteer Database
      • paid Volunteer Fundraising
      • receipt_long Volunteer Liability Waivers
      • stars Rewards and Recognition
      • add_chart Reporting
    • Opportunity Management
      • vertical_split Landing Pages
      • task_alt Check-In
      • view_module Multi-Event Editor
      • move_up Configurable Forms
      • lan Group Organization
    • Volunteer Communication
      • mark_email_read Email Messaging
      • sms Text Messaging
      • share Social Media
    • Client Success
      • checklist Onboarding
      • school Training
  • Solutions
    VolunteerHub simplifies processes and removes friction for both coordinators and volunteers, saving your organization valuable time and resources.
    • Software Benefits
    VolunteerHub Overview Video
    Watch Overview 1:50
    • By Need
      • timer Save Time and Effort
      • extension Integrate with Existing Platforms
      • favorite Improve Volunteer Experience
      • show_chart Boost Volunteer Engagement
      • handshake Build Community Partnership
      • list_alt Consolidate Data Management
    • By Initiative
      • pets Animal Rights
      • music_note Arts and Culture
      • sports_football Athletics
      • bookmark Cause/Cure
      • forest Conservation
      • school Education
      • food_bank Food Banks
      • local_hospital Hospitals
      • attribution Human Rights
      • support Human Services
      • local_library Libraries
      • volunteer_activism Nonprofits
      • campaign Political Campaigns
      • account_balance Public Service
      • church Religious Organizations
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    VolunteerHub provides a bevy of resources to help you succeed in nonprofit and volunteer management.
    • All Resources
    VolunteerHub Overview Video
    Watch Overview 1:50
    • slow_motion_video Software Overview Video
    • menu_book The Book on Volunteer Management
    • format_quote Case Studies
    • rss_feed Blog
    • podcasts Podcast
    • upcoming Product Updates
  • About
    Over the last 20+ years, VolunteerHub has helped thousands of organizations manage billions of volunteer hours.
    • About VolunteerHub
    VolunteerHub Overview Video
    Watch Overview 1:50
    • groups Team
    • handshake Partners
    • work Careers
  • Support
  • Request Demo
Blog
General News 2 min read

4 Common Volunteer Management Problems and How to Bypass Them

Eric Burger May 5, 2021
Share this
directional signs

Managing event volunteers can be challenging! Here are 4 of the most common volunteer management problems and how your organization can avoid them.

Every event planner and/or volunteer coordinator loves a group of enthusiastic volunteers. What’s better than qualified help for your event? However, experienced planners also know that a group of eager volunteers often comes with its challenges and barriers. If you don’t have a good plan in place to manage your volunteers, you could easily be missing out on the value of the volunteers who come to provide support to your organization and its mission. So, what are the top challenges faced by volunteer managers, and how do you avoid them? Read on to find out.

No Point Person

Volunteers need someone to come to with questions about assignments, procedures, problems, etc. Whomever you assign to this role needs to have a thorough understanding of the event’s logistics so that he or she can answer those questions. This person should also solely serve as the volunteer point person. Don’t have the point person double up on roles. Remember, there’s no point in having a point person if volunteers don’t know who that person is. Be sure to communicate ahead of the event who the volunteer point person will be and where he or she can be found.

Even if your organization utilizes contactless volunteer check-in, it is crucial to have an appointed contact for volunteers to reach out to during their shifts.

Misdirected Efforts

Occasionally, volunteers start doing something completely outside their assigned roles, for example, the coat check person starts selling drink tickets at an event. To avoid this situation, be sure to communicate exactly what a volunteer’s assignment is and that they are to stick to that assignment only. Instruct volunteers that if a guest asks them to do something outside their assigned role, they should point said guest in the direction of the volunteer covering that area or their assigned volunteer manager.

Late Arrivals / No-Shows

Inevitably, a volunteer is going to show up late or not come to the event at all. Don’t let this interrupt the flow of the event. Anticipate this situation and have a designated, simple assignment ready to switch the person to when/if he or she decides to show up. For example, if an auction spotter arrives late, don’t try to bring this person up to speed and incorporate him or her into the process. Have a simple, doubled-up assignment ready to send the latecomer to.

Unengaged Volunteers

Just like other stakeholders, volunteers need to be kept happy and engaged so that they will continue volunteering in the future. Volunteers simply want to feel useful and appreciated. Giving people thoughtful assignments and communicating roles ahead of time will make for busy, content volunteers. If there’s going to be a long period during assignments when volunteers won’t have anything to do, be sure to have a break room where they can take a load off and grab a snack. To ensure volunteers feel appreciated, be sure to thank everyone for their service after the event. Follow up with a thank-you note for each volunteer a week or so after the event.

 

It is possible to avoid common pitfalls and have a successful experience managing your volunteers. Remember, your volunteers can make or break your event. Be sure to plan their management carefully and strategically. Investing in volunteer management software can help you recruit, engage, and manage event volunteers effectively and strategically.


Topics Discussed

  • General News
  • Volunteer Management

Related Posts

4 min read 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Managing Volunteers
Managing Volunteers
2 min read Volunteer Retention Rates: Impact with Management Software
Impact Volunteer Retention Rates with Volunteer Management
4 min read 4 Reasons Why VolunteerHub is the Best Solution for Volunteer Centers
5 Reasons VolunteerHub is the Best Solution for Volunteer Centers

Subscribe to Our Blog

Subscribe to receive email notifications every time we publish new insights, news, and thought leadership to our blog.

Subscribe Here!

symbol-full-color
Contact Us

877.482.3340

media@volunteerhub.com

  • Platform
  • Solutions
  • Pricing
  • Resources
  • About
  • Support
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Copyright Management
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Vimeo
©2025 BetterGood. All rights reserved.