In 2021, a survey revealed that nonprofits were grappling with high job vacancy rates, creating a crisis for the communities they served. This led to growing waiting lists for services or even the denial of services to those in need. The causes were noted to be salary competition from other sectors, childcare challenges, governmental grant and contract issues, and the ever-present specter of stress and burnout. Fast forward to Spring 2023, when a second nationwide survey aimed to assess whether these issues still plagued the nonprofit sector was completed. The survey results were stark: Nearly three out of four nonprofits (74.6%) reported job vacancies, and over half (51.7%) noted an increase in vacancies compared to pre-pandemic levels. Here, we delve into the key findings of the survey and explore how Make Kindness Count's tailored solutions can offer relief.
Understanding the Causes
The root causes of nonprofit workforce shortages are multifaceted. Salary competition remained the chief challenge, affecting 72.2% of nonprofits. This was closely followed by budget constraints and insufficient funds (66.3%), which further exacerbated the issue of salary competition. Stress and burnout weighed heavily on the workforce, with 50.2% of respondents citing it as a factor. Government grants and contracts posed an additional hurdle, contributing to workforce shortages in 20.6% of cases. Furthermore, the scarcity of affordable childcare hindered recruitment and retention for 14.6% of nonprofits.
The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Burnout
Each of the root causes compound stress and burnout among nonprofit professionals. The lack of resources for basic operations and competitive salaries can be discouraging. Government grants and contracts may also impose bureaucratic burdens and financial strains, further contributing to employee stress. The consequences of workforce shortages, which shift heavier workloads onto remaining staff, are especially concerning. When an employee departs, their responsibilities are often absorbed by others, leading to increased stress and the likelihood of further departures. As the demand for services rises, this cycle of vacancies causing burnout, and burnout causing more vacancies, continues to perpetuate itself.
The Role of Make Kindness Count: Offering Relief
In the face of this crisis, Make Kindness Count emerges to support nonprofits. Our comprehensive bookkeeping and virtual assistance solutions are specifically designed to support nonprofit organizations facing workforce shortages. We recognize that every nonprofit is unique, and we tailor our services to address your organization's specific needs.
By partnering with Make Kindness Count, nonprofits can alleviate the burden on their existing staff, ensuring that critical services continue without disruption. Our expertise in bookkeeping, grant application support, donor retention strategies, and more can help bridge the workforce gap. Whether you need assistance with administrative tasks or specialized support, we are here to enable your organization to operate efficiently and effectively, even with limited resources.
The nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in our communities, providing vital services to those in need. However, the persistent workforce shortages outlined in the 2023 Nonprofit Workforce Survey continue to jeopardize these services. Make Kindness Count is committed to supporting nonprofits in their mission to make a difference. By addressing the root causes of workforce shortages and providing tailored solutions, we aim to break the cycle of vacancies and burnout. Together, we can ensure that nonprofit organizations have the resources and support they need to thrive and serve their communities effectively.