How are the volunteers doing?

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.