By Lauren Bailey-Barber, Volunteer Development Officer
As a Volunteer Development Officer, June is my absolute favourite month. Not only is it socially acceptable to talk about how brilliant volunteers are, it’s expected! With the first full week of June dedicated to celebrating volunteers and volunteering, it’s inspiring to see organisations across the UK come together to spotlight the people who make so much possible.
Volunteers’ Week creates an important moment of visibility and celebration. It gives organisations the opportunity to recognise the time, energy and commitment volunteers give to their communities.
But volunteer recognition shouldn’t begin and end in June.
Recognition builds retention
Showing appreciation to volunteers matters for many reasons, but one of the biggest is retention.
People who feel valued are more likely to continue giving their time and skills to an organisation. Recognition helps volunteers feel connected, motivated and seen. Reinforcing that their contribution genuinely makes a difference.
For organisations working with limited resources, creating a positive volunteer experience can be just as important as recruiting new volunteers.
Recognition doesn’t have to be complicated
When people think about volunteer recognition, there can sometimes be pressure to make it big, formal or expensive.
In reality, meaningful recognition is often found in the small things.
That might look like:
- A summer picnic or festive gathering
- Sharing cake in the break room
- Saying thank you at the end of a shift
- Remembering how someone takes their tea or coffee
- Sending a birthday or festive card
- Highlighting achievements in newsletters or social media posts
Simple, thoughtful gestures can have a lasting impact.
Recognition should be year-round
Volunteers show up throughout the year. In all seasons, through changing circumstances and often alongside work, caring responsibilities or study.
Recognition should reflect that consistency.
Of course, major milestones matter and volunteering anniversaries deserve celebration, but everyday commitment should also be met with everyday appreciation.
Rather than waiting until June, consider building recognition into your regular communications and engagement activity.
Some easy ways to do this include:
- Monthly volunteer coffee mornings
- Volunteer spotlights on social media
- Volunteer of the month features
- Thank-you messages from staff and service users
- Celebrating milestones and achievements throughout the year
Volunteer recognition doesn’t need to be grand but it does need to happen.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many organisations across Clackmannanshire and beyond. Taking time to say thank you isn’t just a nice thing to do. It helps build stronger, more connected and more sustainable communities.
