Office Volunteers

Office volunteers provide the critical difference in many non profit organizations and agencies. Often times, these individuals either bridge the gap until enough money is raised to hire the first or additional employees for a non profit organization. Or, they free up staff time so they can provide more “mission critical” elements of the non profit's day to day business. Either way, office volunteers can be worth their weight in gold!

So, we’ve gathered some volunteer recognition ideas for these special people.

Include them in staff celebrations in the office

If you have a typical office, you celebrate birthdays, holidays, and many other occasions throughout the year. Remember to include volunteers who will be working shifts during “party time” so that they feel included and appreciated.

Create a Volunteer Bulletin Board

This is an easy idea that can be simple or elaborate depending upon the time you want to invest. Decorate the bulletin board with photos and interesting facts about each volunteer. Provide a short questionnaire with fun questions like “Who is your favorite movie star?” “What are you most proud of?” “What is your favorite dessert”, "What was your best vacation spot?" etc. Let the volunteers know that this information will be put up in the office and of course, providing it is optional. We’ve found that this idea gives the office volunteers recognition and provides a way that staff can learn about them. Another benefit, visitors can see how much these folks mean to your organization.

Create a Volunteer of the Month Prize or Award

If applicable, allow volunteers to earn prizes for their hours worked like logoed items from your organization or complimentary tickets to upcoming events hosted by your organization.

Put up a volunteer suggestion box.

Seeking anyone's input is a great way to tell them you care. But be sure to review the suggestions and if one is implemented make sure to give proper credit for where the ideas originated.

Give volunteers an “inbox”

This idea empowers volunteers to get up to speed on important office information or other activities.

Send periodic thank you notes (both written and electronic

A great idea is to send thank you notes on their birthday or on the anniversary of their service to your organization (1 year, 5 years, etc.)

Proudly display group photos of volunteers throughout the office (not just on the volunteer bulletin board).

Send letters to their employers about their outstanding service.

These letters offer a wonderful compliment to the office volunteer. Many times these letters end up in their personnel files which is an excellent illustration of their character.

Offer to write letters of recommendation for future employers.

Who better to offer feedback than the organization in which they selflessly volunteer? Of course, through your experience and interactions with the volunteer, you will be able to provide concrete examples of their professional skills.

There are many ways to provide volunteer recognition to your terrific office volunteers.

If you think of any other great ones, be sure to share them and we will post your ideas for our other readers!