It can be helpful to understand why staff leave, so you can ensure your organisation is better for the next recruits – and as the latest edition of the Pro Bono Australia Salary Survey reveals, there is often a stark contrast between what causes employees to leave the not-for-profit they work for, and what recruitment strategies are used to attract new staff.

What attracts staff?

As we saw a couple of weeks ago, this year’s Salary Survey reveals that hiring managers at not-for-profits typically rely on their organisation’s cause and reputation to drive their recruitment strategy. Highlighting your mission and cause can be a great way of attracting new staff who are passionate about the same issue or cause and who want to be part of creating change.

Hiring managers surveyed said they also rely on work flexibility to attract talent – think hybrid work or flexible hours.

But do these align with the reasons why people leave your organisation, or are you missing something?

Why do people leave?

Ultimately the decision to leave any role is a personal one, but the 2024 Salary Survey sheds light on some of the reasons why people choose to quit their role in a not-for-profit. The number one reason, according to those surveyed, is to pursue better pay somewhere else. The second reason is for general burnout, while others cited lack of career development or job satisfaction.

The lessons for hiring managers and HR leaders are clear. Employees want to feel supported as people, and to grow as workers – and they want to be paid well while doing it. For leaders concerned with minimising staff turnover, issues within the business that lead to dissatisfaction and burnout should be addressed quickly to improve staff morale and keep staff happy and invested in your not-for-profit.

Learn more about what your staff need by purchasing our 2024 Salary Survey here.