A recent survey reveals that many U.S. nonprofit workers are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed due to limited staffing, tight budgets, and communication gaps.
The 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Survey, conducted by DickersonBakker, highlights that nearly eight out of 10 respondents cited staff shortages and employee exhaustion as major issues. "The online survey involved more than 600 nonprofit leaders and frontline workers representing U.S. charitable organizations, churches, and private schools with annual budgets ranging from less than $500,000 to more than $100 million."
According to the source:
With many nonprofits experiencing high staff turnover, greater priority should be given to training and supporting employees. Many of them "feel overwhelmed," the study says, and that means they could head for the exit.
Over half of the responses said staff turnover had interrupted efforts to introduce organizational changes that could have produced positive results.
Tighter budgets are another major concern, with nearly three-quarters of survey respondents citing budget constraints as a big obstacle to implementing change, such as technology innovations. https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/many-u-s-nonprofit-workers-exhausted-overwhelmed-says-new-study/ (Oct. 07, 2024).
Commentary
An issue not mentioned for preventing turnover and maintaining staffing levels is developing standards of good conduct. Employees want to work at a safe and secure workplace. NPO employers that make it clear that safety is important are more likely to retain their best talent.
Standards are not enough, however. As the source article makes clear, training of your workforce is important for retention, but budgets are squeezed, creating a conundrum.
The good news is that mycommunityworkplace.org provides online training for your organization at no additional cost, including training on preventing discrimination and other forms of wrongdoing, but also online training on preventing cyber breaches and promoting child safe environments.
If you have any questions about access this training, feel free to select the Contact Us link, and we will show you what resources are available via mycommunityworkplace.org.
