How are the volunteers doing?
Volunteers do a lot for our society. Voluntary work can bring joy and contribute to one’s own well-being, but it can also be a burden.
Well-being survey: results
On behalf of Migros Culture Percentage, Interface Politikstudien surveyed volunteers from all parts of the country and various organisations, along with those who coordinate their work. They answered a range of questions:
- How do volunteers assess their own well-being?
- What strengthens volunteers’ well-being, what puts a strain on it?
- What can organisations do to improve the well-being of their volunteers?
The key findings:
- Volunteers experience their commitment in a predominantly positive way; appreciation, meaningfulness and social integration promote their well-being.
- High time pressure is the greatest stress factor. Others include a high level of responsibility, pressure to perform and a lack of support.
- Volunteers and coordinators value recognition differently. Volunteers primarily seek social appreciation from the beneficiaries of their work, while coordinators emphasise recognition from their organisation.
- Satisfaction arises when volunteers’ tasks align with their expectations.
- There are widespread measures aimed at fostering support and appreciation but not many for reducing stress.
