# Enhancing Volunteer Retention: The Role of Experienced Volunteers How experienced volunteers boost the commitment of new recruits - **Source:** [Manufacturing & Service Operations Management](https://pubsonline.informs.org/journal/msom) - **Published:** 2026-03-16 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e475f95a-0293-4aa8-aa56-e6a09d603654 ## Why Volunteer Retention Matters Volunteer retention is a critical factor for the sustainability of organizations. High retention ensures long-term participation and helps organizations achieve their goals. ## The Impact of Experienced Volunteers Experienced volunteers mentor new recruits, helping them adapt faster to the organization. This process increases the commitment of new volunteers. ## The Role of Mentorship Programs Mentorship programs provide a platform for experienced volunteers to share their knowledge and experience with new recruits. These programs build strong bonds among volunteers. ## Strategies to Enhance Retention Organizations can implement various strategies to enhance volunteer retention, including mentorship programs, training, and social events. ## Success Stories Organizations where experienced volunteers mentor new recruits have observed significant increases in retention rates. These success stories serve as examples for other organizations. ## Future Steps To enhance volunteer retention, organizations should further empower the role of experienced volunteers and expand mentorship programs. These steps will ensure long-term success. ## Sources covering this story - https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/msom.2025.0327?af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._