Volunteers can burnout when their work becomes too draining, demanding, or mentally challenging. This can happen when there’s too much work or not enough to do. It can happen when they take on too much emotional load without support. And it can happen when volunteers feel like they aren’t heard, or their efforts don’t make a difference.


It’s important to recognize the signs of burnout as they happen – volunteers saying they have too much to do in the role, or a change in behaviour matched with a reduction in excitement or energy when volunteering. When you notice a change, talk to the volunteer. They may tell you that they’re having trouble with the role in a particular way, or that they don’t enjoy volunteering anymore. Volunteers may not know when and how to come to you when something is bothering them with volunteering!


If a volunteer is already burnt out and considering leaving, make it as easy for them as you can. Offer time off or invite them to complete an exit survey/interview, and thank them for their time.


If a volunteer is burning out but still wants to remain with you, then work with the volunteer to understand the issues leading to burnout. It’s your job to address the things that you can change, like workload or emotional supports. You also need to recognize – and help volunteers understand – that not everything is within your or their control. Sometimes people will give too much or simply run out of energy or passion, and that’s ok! You can only do what you can to support volunteers.