Applying Volunteer Management Philosophy to Current Employee Engagement Strategies

Employee engagement is becoming more challenging as employees are less connected to organizations and more likely to leave, even without an immediate transition plan. While money may remain a motivator, many younger employees, in particular, seek positive cultures, opportunities for personal growth, and high levels of corporate social responsibility/community engagement.

These are very similar to the motivators for volunteers. As such, volunteer management principles may offer strategies to enhance employee engagement.

Objectives for this Session

• Summarize Volunteer Motivations and connect to employee motivations.
• Review Motivational strategies utilized with volunteers and how they may relate to current employee engagement.

Bill Davis is the Director of Volunteers at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The Zoo features almost 1000 volunteers, including over 400 ZOOTeens, placed in areas throughout the Zoo. Bill oversees the recruitment and orientation process for most of the Volunteer Program. In addition, he directly supervises the Toledo ZOOTeen Program, a seasonal/year service and leadership program for teenagers, ages 13 – 17. Bill holds a Master’s Degree in Technical Communication from BGSU and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership (MOL) from Lourdes College. He is also a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA).